In our previous article, we discussed the groundbreaking discoveries in breast cancer research, including advancements in machine-learning ultrasound systems and the potential transition from surgical to blood biopsies. Today, we will continue our discussion on the latest developments in the field, as researchers continue to work toward improving our understanding of breast cancer and developing more effective methods for diagnosing and treating this complex disease.
Latest Developments in Breast Cancer Research
Here, we continue highlighting the remarkable advances in breast cancer research.
1. Targeted immunotoxin injections
With a mission to treat early-stage ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), clinical researchers from the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center tested a new method of delivering an immunotoxin drug through the breast duct. 1 in 5 new breast cancers will be DCIS – a form of breast cancer at stage 0. In the trial, the drug HB21(Fv)-PE40 effectively killed different molecular subtypes of breast cancer cells in mice.
What’s even more remarkable is that 30 minutes after the injection, the drug was undetectable in the mice’s bloodstream, suggesting that the drug targets cancer cells and does not circulate throughout the body, reducing the risk of harmful side effects. This research paves the way for a promising new treatment option for DCIS and other types of breast cancer.
According to study author Dr. Saraswati Sukumar, these findings could save countless patients from undergoing breast removal surgery, high-dose chemotherapy, radiation treatments, or hormone therapies for early-onset breast cancers.
2. Advanced screening for breasts with dense tissue
Breast cancer screening can pose challenges among women with dense breast tissue, as it can obscure the process of identifying malignant lesions or tumors during a mammogram. Furthermore, high breast density itself is a risk factor for breast cancer.
In response, researchers from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in the United Kingdom are developing an advanced breast screening system that can provide a clearer view of any cancer growths in breasts with dense tissue. This non-invasive breast density assessment tool could improve both breast cancer detection rates and prognoses.
The technology uses ultrasonic waves to produce maps of breast composition. According to the NPL, once completed, the screening program has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, as well as help monitor breast cancer without the risks associated with ionizing radiation in mammograms.
3. ERX-41
Triple-negative breast cancer is difficult to address, as it does not have receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor 2. In other words, conventional treatments targeting these receptors prove ineffective, making it crucial to find alternative therapies that can eliminate the tumor cells.
In 2022, Dr. Jung-Mo Ahn and his co-researchers synthesized a molecule called ERX-4. It demonstrated potential in treating triple-negative breast cancer by binding to a cellular protein referred to as lysosomal acid lipase (LIPA). LIPA is in a cell structure called the endoplasmic reticulum – an organelle responsible for processing and folding proteins, which are essential for tumor cells to develop. What’s more, the researchers discovered that ERX-41 works against other cancers, including those that occur in the ovaries, pancreas, and brain (glioblastoma).
“The ERX-41 compound did not kill healthy cells, but it wiped out tumor cells regardless of whether the cancer cells had estrogen receptors,” Ahn shared during an interview. “In fact, it killed the triple-negative breast cancer cells better than it killed the ER-positive cells.”
4. Differentiation therapy
Researchers from the University of Basel and the University Hospital Basel are in the process of developing a new therapeutic technique for treating breast cancer. The approach, referred to as differentiation therapy, involves converting cancerous cells into less harmful cells that cease to grow uncontrollably. Differentiation therapy may help eliminate cancer cells’ ability to do the following:
- Adapt to different environments in the body
- Develop resistance to drugs and other treatments
By preventing cancer cells from growing and metastasizing to other vital organs, this promising treatment option may revolutionize the future of breast cancer patients. In addition, differentiation therapy and immunotherapy can work together to make more progress in treating malignant diseases.
5. INTRABEAM 600
Zeiss Medical Technology in India recently introduced the INTRABEAM 600, a treatment option for early-stage breast cancer patients.
The INTRABEAM 600 is a leap toward advancement and progress in the field of breast cancer treatment. This device employs Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT). Unlike conventional breast radiotherapy, which requires multiple sessions, IORT involves administering a single dose of radiation therapy to the affected area following tumor removal. This targeted approach yields impressive results while minimizing the risk of harming surrounding tissues and organs, such as the lungs and heart. Treatment time is reduced from 30 days to 30 minutes, providing a more manageable and convenient option for breast cancer patients.
Valuable Insights
The previous year introduced several new developments in breast cancer research, allowing new diagnostic tests and treatment methods to expand patients’ options in the present time and the near future. Clinical researchers from Europe, South Asia, and other places continue to show their passion for medicine and dedication to cancer treatment. Their efforts will refine our diagnostic and treatment processes, showing promise in reducing breast cancer progression and mortalities over time.
From an immunotoxin injection that targets cancer cells without harming healthy tissue; an imaging test that detects tumors in women with high breast density; a synthetic molecule that makes it easy to address the most complex diseases; a non-invasive therapeutic approach that makes cancer cells more docile; and a treatment device that uses IORT for reduced side effects – we have come such a long way in making the future brighter for cancer patients.
About New Hope Medical Center
We are an authority on alternative treatment options for breast cancer. If your doctor diagnosed you with this disease, or perhaps your cancer recurred, seeking treatment as soon as possible is crucial to improving your prognosis. For non-invasive, non-toxic treatment options that target the root of breast cancer, do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your options and begin treatment. Remember, taking action can make all the difference in the fight against any malignancy. Dial 480-757-6573 now to get in touch with our team.
