Researchers have discovered a new method in cancer treatment that targets hard-to-treat triple negative breast cancer. This type of breast cancer is aggressive, resistant to chemotherapy, and more common in younger women. The usual treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, but these methods do not always effectively eliminate the cancer cells, leading to recurrence and spreading. The scientists conducted data analysis on over 6000 breast cancer samples to understand the properties of aggressive and chemotherapy-resistant cancer cells.
Through their research, the scientists identified the cancer cell surface marker EGFR and oncogenic molecules CDK as key components in triple negative breast cancer. They utilized this knowledge to develop a tailored antibody drug conjugate by combining the tumour-selective antibody cetuximab with a CDK-blocking drug. This approach allows for the specific targeting of cancer cells, potentially enabling the administration of lower inhibitor doses that are less toxic for patients. The antibody guides the toxic drug directly to the cancer cell, reducing adverse side effects.
Lead author Professor Sophia Karagiannis from King’s College London highlighted the significance of this discovery, stating that the new therapy could offer new treatment options for cancers with poor prognosis. The antibody drug conjugate has shown promise in stopping cancer cell division and inducing cytotoxic effects specifically against cancer cells. While further research is necessary before this treatment can be implemented in clinical settings, the findings represent a significant step forward in developing targeted therapies for triple negative breast cancer.
Dr. Simon Vincent, director of services, support, and influencing at Breast Cancer Now, emphasized the importance of this research in improving understanding of aggressive breast cancer cells and developing targeted therapies to destroy them while minimizing side effects for patients. Triple negative breast cancer affects approximately 8000 women in the UK each year and is more likely to return or spread following treatment. The findings offer hope for new and effective ways to combat this devastating disease.
The scientists’ study focused on investigating the biology of breast cancer cells, including the expression of specific proteins on the cell surface and within the cell. By targeting EGFR and CDK, they were able to develop a treatment strategy that leverages the vulnerabilities of triple negative breast cancer cells. The concept of combining a tumour-selective antibody with a cell-killing drug could pave the way for similar tailored therapies to be developed for other cancer types that share similar characteristics.
In conclusion, the research conducted by the team from King’s College London, funded by Breast Cancer Now, represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment. By utilizing the weaknesses of triple negative breast cancer cells against themselves, the scientists have developed a novel antibody drug conjugate that shows promise in targeting and destroying aggressive cancer cells while minimizing side effects. Further research is needed to validate these findings and potentially bring this targeted therapy to clinical practice, offering new hope for patients with hard-to-treat breast cancers.