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Researchers are discovering new components in the fight against aggressive breast cancer
The so-called triple negative breast cancer (triple negative breast cancer) is one of the most aggressive types of breast cancer. The therapeutic options for the disease are extremely limited. Researchers now found a new promising method for identifying and treating triple negative breast cancer.
The so-called triple negative breast carcinoma behaves very aggressively biologically and occurs preferentially in younger patients. University of Michigan scientists now found a compound that could help treat this aggressive form of cancer more effectively. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Clinical Cancer Research".
The treatment of so-called triple negative breast cancer has been extremely difficult in the past. A new compound called UM-164 could give new hope to those affected. (Image: Eskymaks / fotolia.com)So far, little progress in the treatment of triple negative breast cancer
The new compound is called UM-164 and targets so-called kinases. These seem to play a role in the development and spread of triple-negative breast cancer, the researchers explain. The compound had very few side effects in tests with mice. The general treatment of breast cancer has made great progress. Unfortunately, this has not been true for patients with triple negative breast cancer, says author Dr. Sofia Merajver from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center.
About 20 percent of all breast cancer diagnoses involve triple negative breast cancer
Triple negative breast cancer is more aggressive than other types of breast cancer. Patients often experience their cancer recurring after treatment and then begin to spread, the doctors say. Currently, there are no approved targeted therapies for this form of breast cancer, which represents about 20 percent of breast cancer diagnoses.
Where does the term triple negative breast cancer come from??
Triple negative breast cancer is so named because the disease is negative for two hormone receptors and the HER2 protein. These three markers are usually successfully used as targets by current treatments, the experts explain. That's what makes chemotherapy the only treatment option for this type of cancer, says lead author Dr. Rabia A. Gilani of the University of Michigan. We are in the process of gaining a better understanding of the biology of triple negative breast cancer, which is essential for the development of targeted therapies, say the physicians.
UM-164 can turn off the kinase
The research team not only tried to block the kinase, they even succeeded in killing the kinase with the help of UM-164. The reason why our connection works is that we have a new mechanism for binding the kinase, explain the scientists. We succeeded in completely removing the harmful c-Src protein from the cells. Normally, only its activity is inhibited, says dr. Matthew B. Söllner from the University of Michigan.
UM-164 inhibits important signaling pathway
In addition, UM-164 inhibits another signaling pathway involved in the development of triple negative breast cancer. By combining an existing c-Src inhibitor with a p38 inhibitor, the effect became more efficient. They work much better together than they do individually, says Söllner. With our connection, the results were even stronger than with existing medications, adds the physician.
Drug causes few side effects and is still effective
The researchers also found that they could administer the drug to mice at a higher dose that was effective against the cancer. But that caused a few side effects. Further research is needed to understand the safety profile of UM-164, add the physicians. (As)