New Research Unveils Breast Cancer Cells’ Ability to Evade Treatment
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research in London have found that certain breast cancer cells have the ability to evade treatment by entering a state of hibernation. This phenomenon, known as dormancy, allows the cancer cells to lie dormant for years before reawakening and reigniting the cancer. This revelation has the potential to change the game in breast cancer treatment and offers hope for finding new strategies to target these elusive, “sleeping” cancer cells.
The study focused on breast cancer cells that express estrogen receptors (ER+), which account for 80% of all breast cancers. These cells, when exposed to hormone therapies designed to control cancer growth, can slip into a dormant state similar to hibernation. This presents a significant challenge in treating ER+ breast cancer, as the dormant cells can resurface years later and cause further damage.
Luca Magnani, professor of epigenetic plasticity at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, explains the importance of understanding why cancer returns: “After surgery to remove primary estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, patients undergo hormone therapy to eradicate any remaining cancer cells. However, we are aware that this approach may not be effective for every patient, as breast cancer can return years or even decades after treatment. Having a better understanding of why cancer returns will allow us to hopefully find ways to stop it in the future – so people will no longer have to live in fear or suffer the devastating effects of a relapse.”
During their research, the team identified a key mechanism by which cancer cells evade therapy by remaining in a dormant state and hibernating to resurface years later and rapidly divide. These findings offer hope for further research into targeting dormant breast cancer cells, potentially leading to more effective treatments that eliminate the need for years of hormone therapy.
The growth of ER+ breast cancer is dependent upon estrogen, and doctors commonly use a variety of treatments and surgeries depending on the condition of the patient. However, the discovery of an enzyme called G9a, which aids cancer cells in hibernating and evading treatment, opens up new possibilities for developing targeted therapies.
The implications of this research are immense. For the thousands of women suffering from ER+ breast cancer, finding a cure would provide a glimmer of hope. By understanding how cancer cells evade treatment and remain dormant, scientists can work towards developing innovative treatment strategies that specifically target these elusive cells.
While this research is still in its early stages, the potential breakthrough it represents should not be underestimated. The discovery of dormancy in breast cancer cells and the identification of the G9a enzyme as a key player in this process pave the way for future studies and advancements in breast cancer treatment.
In conclusion, the recent research conducted by the Institute of Cancer Research in London has shed light on the ability of breast cancer cells to evade treatment by entering a state of dormancy. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize breast cancer treatment and offers hope for finding new strategies to target these dormant cells. With further research and advancements, we may soon see the development of more effective treatments that eliminate the need for years of hormone therapy and provide a cure for ER+ breast cancer.