Disable Cancer

Researchers from Tulane University School of Medicine have studied the role of genes in the occurrence of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC is considered the most aggressive form of breast cancer with a much worse prognosis for treatment and survival. They identified an inhibitor of the TRAF3IP2 gene, which has been proven to inhibit the growth and spread (metastasis) of TNBC in a mouse tumor model.

Two genes (TRAF3IP2 and Rab27a), which play a role in the secretion of substances that cause the formation of tumors, fell into the area of interest of researchers. The knockdown of each of them led to a decrease in tumor growth and metastasis to other organs in vitro and in vivo.

Suppression of Rab27a stopped tumor growth, but a small number of the original cancer cells spread to other parts of the body, while after disabling TRAF3IP2, the researchers did not find macro- and micrometastases in mice for one year after treatment. In addition, suppression of the TRAF3IP2 gene led to the reduction of existing tumors to undetectable sizes.

This discovery showed that TRAF3IP2 may become a new therapeutic target in the treatment of triple negative breast cancer. The group is currently working on obtaining FDA approval and hopes to start clinical trials soon.

Article by E.U.Alt et al. Targeting TRAF3IP2, Compared to Rab27, is More Effective in Suppressing the Development and Metastasis of Breast Cancer published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Aminat Adzhieva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on Tulane materials: Tulane scientists find a switch to flip and turn off breast cancer growth and spread.