Breast cancer, one of the most common cancers among women, could soon benefit from a new therapeutic approach. A new molecule, successfully tested on animal models, promises to eliminate tumors with a single dose, paving the way for a faster and less invasive treatment.
This discovery, published in
ACS Central Science, marks a turning point in the fight against estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, which accounts for 70 to 80% of cases. While current treatments, often lengthy and grueling, come with significant side effects, this new molecule, named ErSO-TFPy, offers hope for a simpler and better-tolerated cure.
The limitations of current treatments
Hormonal therapies, although effective, often require several years of treatment. They can cause joint pain, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and increase the risk of osteoporosis or secondary cancers. Moreover, about 20 to 30% of patients experience a recurrence, sometimes years after the end of treatment.
These constraints highlight the urgent need to develop more targeted and less invasive alternatives. Researchers are now focusing on molecules capable of specifically destroying cancer cells while preserving healthy tissues, thereby reducing adverse effects.
The discovery of ErSO-TFPy
Developed by Dr. Paul Hergenrother and his team, the ErSO-TFPy molecule works by inducing necrosis in cancer cells, a process that causes them to swell and die. Tested on mice, it allowed for the almost complete elimination of tumors with a single dose, without major side effects.
This improved version of ErSO, a previously studied molecule, shows increased efficacy and better tolerance. The results, although preliminary, are promising enough to consider clinical trials in humans.
Hope for the future
If the results are confirmed in humans, ErSO-TFPy could transform the management of ER+ breast cancer. A single dose (or just a few doses) could replace years of treatment, thereby improving the quality of life for patients and reducing the risk of recurrence.
However, researchers remain cautious. The transition from animal models to humans requires in-depth studies to confirm the treatment's efficacy and safety. Despite these challenges, this discovery represents a major breakthrough in the fight against breast cancer.
To go further: what is ER+ breast cancer?
ER+ breast cancer (estrogen receptor-positive) is a subtype of breast cancer where tumor cells have receptors sensitive to the hormone estrogen. This hormone stimulates the growth of cancer cells, which explains why this type of cancer accounts for 70 to 80% of diagnosed cases.
Current treatments target these receptors to block the action of estrogen, thereby slowing the progression of the disease. However, these therapies, often lengthy and associated with side effects, do not always guarantee complete eradication of cancer cells, leaving a risk of recurrence.
ER+ breast cancer is typically treated with a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. Despite their effectiveness, these treatments can cause adverse effects such as joint pain, fatigue, or bone fragility, impacting the quality of life for patients.
The discovery of molecules like ErSO-TFPy, which specifically target ER+ cells while minimizing side effects, represents a major advancement. These new approaches could transform the management of this cancer, offering shorter and better-tolerated treatments.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND