Breast Cancer And Molecules: New Therapeutic Target Discovered In Basal-Like Tumors

New findings published in Breast Cancer Research examine a molecule present in basal-like breast cancer, or BLBC, tumors that allow them to be detected.

BLBC, an aggressive form of breast cancer, does not respond to the most common cancer treatments, and holds a tendency to spread both earlier and faster than other forms, according to researchers.

During the study, they compared markers on cancer cells to gene expression profiles available in public information databases that discovered the molecule interleukin-13 receptor alpha 2 or IL13Ralpha2 that's present in large quantities in metastatic or late-stage BLBC. Further research showed levels of the molecule indicated the chances of the cancer spreading.

Furthermore, researchers found that when they reduced the amount of IL13RA2 expression in the cancer cells, the tumor growth was significantly slower in models. They also discovered that models which received the altered cancer cells had very small or no metastasis to the lungs, suggesting that IL13RA2 was involved in cancer growth and spread.

"This discovery offers a glimmer of hope for patients stricken with BLBC. Personalized cancer therapies could be developed by targeting breast cancer cells that express copious levels of IL13RA2," said Dr. Sam Thiagalingam, an associate professor Boston University School of Medicine, in a press release.

Of course, more research will be needed to understand just how the molecule works in regards to therapeutic treatments and other molecules involved in breast cancer, overall. The researchers also added that the possibilities do not end with breast cancer. Other deadly cancers, including pancreatic, brain, colonic and brain cancers also can have high levels of IL13RA2. "Studies directed at this biomarker will be of high significance to improve the quality of life of all cancer patients harboring this alteration," concluded Thiagalingam, in a statement. 

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