Recently, researchers have discovered a crucial mechanism that promotes the spread of breast cancer cells to other parts of the body, opening the way to new therapeutic perspectives.
- Metastatic breast cancer is the most serious form of the disease because it means that cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body.
- The prognosis for women with metastatic breast cancer is still poor, with an average survival of only a few years.
- The discovery of this new mechanism promoting metastases could revolutionize the treatment of this disease and offer new hope to women who suffer from it.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. Although much progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, the formation of metastases remains one of the main challenges, drastically reducing survival rates. A team of researchers from the Institut Curie, in collaboration with other international institutions, has identified a biological process that allows breast cancer cells to migrate and colonize other organs. This discoverypublished in the journal Nature Communicationshighlights the role of exosomes in the formation of metastases.
Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles released by cells, including cancer cells. These vesicles carry various molecules, such as proteins, lipids, and RNAs, that can influence the behavior of recipient cells. Researchers have found that exosomes derived from breast cancer cells contain specific proteins that set the stage for metastasis by altering the environment of target organs.
The role of exosomes in metastasis
Exosomes play a crucial role in facilitating communication between cancer cells and their environment. By releasing exosomes, cancer cells can alter normal cells in distant organs, making them more hospitable for tumor colonization. This process allows cancer cells to establish themselves more easily and form metastases.
L’study revealed that exosomes from breast cancer cells contain integrins, proteins that allow cells to adhere to their environment. These integrins specifically target certain organs, such as the lungs, liver and brain, facilitating the formation of metastases in these sites.
Therapeutic implications for breast cancer
The discovery of this mechanism opens up new perspectives for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. By targeting exosomes or the specific proteins they carry, it may be possible to prevent the spread of cancer cells and the formation of metastases. Researchers are currently working on developing therapies that could interfere with the release or function of exosomes, offering a new approach to combating advanced breast cancer.
Additionally, this discovery could also serve as a basis for the development of biomarkers to predict a cancer’s propensity to metastasize. By identifying exosomes specific to cancer cells, doctors may be able to better assess the risk of metastasis and tailor treatments accordingly.
The discovery of a mechanism that promotes metastasis in breast cancer represents a major advance in the understanding of this complex disease. By shedding light on the role of exosomes and integrins in the spread of cancer cells, researchers are paving the way for new therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat metastases. These advances promise to improve the treatment and survival prospects for women with advanced breast cancer.
These advances illustrate the importance of continued cancer research and the hope it represents for patients around the world.