New research suggests that preventative cancer therapies may inadvertently lead to the disease entering a dormant state only to resurface later. This phenomenon has been observed particularly in breast cancer cases where hormone therapies, aimed at preventing recurrence, can induce changes in cancer cells, causing them to become dormant rather than being eliminated. However, focusing on a specific enzyme could offer a potential solution to this challenge.
The study, conducted by researchers seeking to understand why breast cancer often recurs years after initial treatment, revealed that hormone therapies, which are typically administered for extended periods following primary treatment, can induce alterations in certain cells. These changes prompt the cells to enter a dormant state instead of undergoing cell death. Subsequently, these dormant cells can “awaken” years later, leading to a relapse that poses significant challenges in treatment.
However, the research offers a glimmer of hope by identifying a potential strategy to target these dormant cancer cells before they become active again. This discovery holds promise for patients with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, which accounts for the majority of breast cancer cases.
Professor Luca Magnani, from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, explained, “After primary treatment for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, patients undergo extended hormone therapy aimed at eradicating any residual cancer cells. However, this approach doesn’t always succeed, as evidenced by the recurrence of breast cancer years or even decades later. Our aim was to delve deeper into the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon to develop interventions that could prevent it, sparing patients the anguish of relapse.”
The study, published in Cancer Discovery, highlighted the role of an enzyme called G9a in facilitating cancer cells’ entry into dormancy. Inhibiting this enzyme was found to prevent cancer cells from becoming dormant and also eliminated those cells already in a dormant state.
Dr. Tayyaba Jiwani, Science Engagement Manager at Cancer Research UK, which funded the research, commented, “While breast cancer survival rates have improved significantly over the years, there are still thousands of deaths annually attributed to this disease. The findings of this study, though in preliminary stages, offer valuable insights into potential targets for developing innovative treatments aimed at preventing breast cancer recurrence.”
Breast cancer remains a significant health concern, being the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women in the UK. Despite advancements in detection and screening, there are still considerable challenges in managing this disease, underscoring the importance of continued research into novel therapeutic approaches.
According to Cancer Research UK, approximately 11,400 deaths are attributed to breast cancer each year in the UK, highlighting the urgent need for innovative strategies to improve outcomes for patients. The NHS screening program plays a vital role in early detection, with nearly 19,000 women in England diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022-23 thanks to this initiative.
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