Breast cancer…a scientific breakthrough that could defuse the “time bomb”

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and it has become an obsession for many, for fear of its return after the end of the treatment journey. However, a recent study may defuse the “time bomb” that is represented by the “awakening” of cancer cells that have spread from the breast to the lungs, after years. from sleeping”.

What are “cancer time bombs”?

• The most common type of breast cancer is estrogen receptor positive (ER+).
• These patients remain at risk of cancer recurrence in another part of their bodies for decades after the initial diagnosis, even after successful treatment..

Find out how these “bombs” work.

• Now, scientists have discovered the mechanism that triggers this “time bomb” of cancer to be set off in the lungs, one of the most common places where cancer can spread..
• And breast cancer patients remain IS + They are at risk of cancer cells remaining dormant in their organs for years after treatment is completed.
• Their study in mice indicated that an existing cancer drug could slow the growth of these secondary tumours.

What happened in the study?

• In an effort to understand the signals that trigger these “sleeper” cells to act and form tumors, researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research studied them (ICR) In London, mice with breast cancerIS +” which were examined.
• Scientists gave mice a cancer-growth inhibitor called imatinib, which is currently being used to treat patients with chronic myeloid leukemia..
• Mice were treated with the drug either before or after tumors developed.
• Between the two groups, lung cancer growth decreased significantly, according to the study, which was funded by Breast Cancer Now..

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Promising results give a glimmer of hope

• The results, which were published in the journalNature Cancer”revealed that “molecular changes within the lung encourage secondary tumors to develop.”.
• protein playsPDGF-C”، It is vital for tissue growth and survival, and has a key role in determining whether inactive breast cancer cells remain asleep or “wake up”.“.
• As levels of the protein increase, something that happens due to aging or when lung tissue is damaged or scarred, it can cause the underlying cancer cells to grow and develop into secondary breast cancer in the lung.
• The researchers then discovered whether it inhibited activity PDGF-C It can help prevent the “re-awakening” of these cells.

What do scientists say?

• Study author Dr Francis Turrell, from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: “We discovered how aged lung tissue can induce these cancer cells to wake up, to develop into tumours, and revealed a potential strategy to defuse these time bombs.”
• “We now plan to better understand how patients can benefit from existing imatinib. In the long term, we aim to create more specific therapies that target the mechanism of wakefulness,” says Turrell.

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• Director of Research, Advocacy and Impact at the Foundation Breast Cancer NowSimon Vincent said, “This exciting discovery brings us closer to understanding how we can slow or stop the progression of secondary breast cancer.” IS + in the lung.
• “It has the potential to benefit thousands of women living with this ‘time bomb’ in the future, ensuring that fewer patients receive devastating news about the spread of the disease,” says Vincent.