Australian Scientists Identify Molecule That Slows the Progression of Breast Cancer

Australian scientists have identified the miR-342 molecule, which slows the formation of metastases in one of the most aggressive types of breast cancer — triple-negative breast cancer. This was reported to RIA Novosti by the study’s senior co-author, University of Adelaide Associate Professor Filip Gregory.

“Our study showed that when levels of the miR-342 molecule are low in triple-negative breast cancer cells, they can transform into malignant metastases more quickly,” the scientist said.

The researchers found that restoring miR-342 levels significantly slows the spread of tumors to the lungs, liver and other organs.

In addition, in cases where molecule levels were low and tumor cells had already spread throughout the body, the scientists tested palbociclib, a drug used to treat other types of breast cancer. As a result, the drug significantly slowed the proliferation of tumor cells at sites where metastases had spread.

According to Gregory, the exact reason why palbociclib produced this effect is not yet known. One of the scientists noted as a possible explanation that the environment in which metastases develop may be less favorable for the proliferation of cancer cells than the tumor’s original site. This could make blocking cell division more effective.

At the same time, scientists cannot yet say exactly how many patients could benefit from this treatment. Researchers still need to determine at what level of miR-342 triple-negative breast cancer becomes sensitive to drugs such as palbociclib.