Study Identifies Molecular Mechanism That Could Open New Treatment Options for Aggressive Breast Cancer

CANBERRA,  — Australian researchers have identified a molecular mechanism associated with the spread of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of breast cancer, potentially opening new avenues for treatment and the prevention of disease progression.

According to research reported by the University of Adelaide in Australia, the discovery provides new insight into the molecular processes that drive the spread of TNBC, a subtype of breast cancer that lacks the hormone receptors commonly targeted by several established breast cancer therapies.

The findings could potentially help researchers identify patients who may benefit from targeted treatments and may also support the investigation of existing cancer drugs for new therapeutic applications.

Low miR-342 Levels Linked to Greater Risk of Cancer Spread

The researchers focused on microRNA-342 (miR-342), a naturally occurring molecule involved in regulating gene activity, and the E2F pathway, which plays a role in cell proliferation and cancer growth.

The study found that patients with low levels of miR-342 combined with high E2F pathway activity were more likely to develop metastatic disease.

In preclinical models, researchers found that restoring miR-342 levels significantly reduced the spread of breast cancer to other parts of the body, including the lungs and bones.

The findings suggest that the miR-342 - E2F relationship may play an important role in the progression and metastatic behavior of triple-negative breast cancer.

Existing Breast Cancer Drug Shows Potential in Preclinical Models

The research also examined palbociclib, a CDK4/6 inhibitor currently used in the treatment of certain types of advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

In preclinical models with low miR-342 levels, palbociclib significantly reduced the growth of metastatic tumors.

The findings raise the possibility that measuring miR-342 levels could help researchers determine which patients with triple-negative breast cancer might benefit from treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors.

If supported by further research and clinical trials, the approach could potentially allow an existing targeted cancer therapy to be investigated for use in a subgroup of patients with TNBC.

Potential Biomarker for More Personalized Treatment

One of the key implications of the study is the potential use of miR-342 as a biomarker to help identify patients whose tumors may respond to specific targeted therapies.

Unlike some other forms of breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer does not express estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors or HER2 at levels that allow these proteins to serve as conventional treatment targets.

This has historically limited the range of targeted therapies available for TNBC and contributed to the challenges associated with treating the disease.

The newly identified molecular mechanism therefore offers a potential pathway toward a more personalized approach, in which the molecular characteristics of an individual tumor could help guide treatment selection.

However, the findings remain preclinical, meaning further research and clinical trials will be required to establish whether the approach is safe and effective for patients.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Accounts for 10 - 15% of Australian Cases

Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for approximately 10 - 15% of breast cancer diagnoses in Australia, where around 21,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

Despite representing a smaller proportion of overall breast cancer cases, TNBC is associated with a disproportionately high share of breast cancer deaths because of its aggressive characteristics and greater tendency to spread rapidly.

The latest findings add to growing research efforts aimed at understanding the molecular drivers of TNBC and developing more precise treatment strategies for patients with aggressive forms of the disease.

If future clinical studies confirm the role of miR-342 in predicting treatment response, the discovery could contribute to both biomarker-driven cancer treatment and drug repurposing, potentially expanding therapeutic options for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

 

Source : Xinhua Thai News