Israeli researchers have introduced a new therapeutic strategy to tackle metastatic breast cancer, utilizing existing medications, in a promising development aimed at enhancing survival rates.
Breast cancer begins in the breast tissue, usually within the milk ducts or lobules. It has the ability to metastasize, spreading through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to form secondary cancerous tumors in other areas of the body. Notably, breast cancer frequently metastasizes to the bones.
When breast cancer cells spread to the bones, they interfere with normal bone function, causing symptoms such as bone pain, fractures, and increased levels of calcium in the blood. Approximately half of individuals diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer experience bone metastasis.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University, headed by Prof. Neta Erez and Lea Monteran, examined bone samples from model mice representing various metastasis stages. They identified crucial mechanisms underlying disease progression, especially the interaction between cancer cells and the immune system. These findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Discovery, highlight the potential of repurposing existing drugs.
“A tumor is more than a mere conglomerate of cancer cells; it constitutes an intricate ecosystem comprising diverse cell types. Understanding and intercepting the communication channels between cancer cells and healthy tissues are paramount in thwarting the progression of bone metastasis,” Erez said.
One significant finding was the involvement of T cells, key players in the immune system, in infiltrating bone metastases. The researchers observed that inhibitory immune cells impede the efforts of T cells, limiting their ability to eliminate cancerous cells.
With this insight, the team developed a therapeutic combination of existing drugs aimed at neutralizing the inhibitory immune cells and enhancing the function of T cells.
When tested on mice, the combination of drugs showed promising outcomes, notably reducing bone metastases and improving survival rates. Further examination of tissue samples from breast cancer patients supported the significance of these findings in clinical settings, indicating potential applicability across different cancer types.
“This combined treatment strategy holds immense potential for addressing bone metastasis not only in breast cancer but also in other malignancies,” Erez explained.
Crucially, both elements of the treatment regimen are already commercially accessible, potentially expediting the process for clinical implementation. However, the researchers emphasized the need for additional clinical trials.