Researchers in Australia have identified a potential new way to treat triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and prevent its spread by restoring levels of a naturally occurring molecule called miR-342, according to Adelaide University. The findings, published in EMBO Molecular Medicine, suggest that measuring miR-342 could help identify patients who may benefit from the existing breast cancer drug palbociclib, potentially repurposing the CDK4/6 inhibitor for one of the deadliest forms of the disease.
Molecular Switch Drives Aggressive Breast Cancer Spread
Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for roughly 10 to 15 percent of Australia’s approximately 21,000 breast cancer diagnoses each year, according to Adelaide University. The subtype causes a disproportionate number of deaths because of its aggressive nature and rapid spread. Unlike other forms of the disease, TNBC lacks the hormone receptors targeted by many existing therapies.
Researchers identified a molecular switch driving this metastatic spread. The study found that patients with low levels of the naturally occurring molecule miR-342 and high activity of a cancer-driving pathway called E2F face a higher likelihood of developing metastatic disease. “Most deaths from breast cancer occur because the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, rather than being caused by the primary tumour itself,” said co-senior author Associate Professor Philip Gregory from Adelaide University.
Repurposing Palbociclib for TNBC Treatment
Tests conducted by the research team on pre-clinical models showed that bringing back miR-342 levels substantially curbed the dissemination of breast cancer to secondary sites, including bones and the lungs. Furthermore, investigators found that palbociclib significantly reduced metastatic tumour growth in models with low miR-342.
Currently utilized to manage advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, palbociclib functions as a CDK4/6 inhibitor and standard breast cancer medication. The new study indicates that measuring miR-342 levels could help clinicians pinpoint TNBC patients who might respond to this established drug, offering a potential path toward repurposing the therapy for high-risk patients.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is triple-negative breast cancer?
Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that lacks the hormone receptors targeted by many standard breast cancer therapies, leading to poorer outcomes and a higher risk of rapid spread.
How does miR-342 affect breast cancer spread?
According to Adelaide University research, low levels of the naturally occurring molecule miR-342 combined with high activity of the E2F pathway drive metastatic disease. Restoring miR-342 levels in pre-clinical models reduced cancer spread to the lungs and bones.
Can existing drugs treat this cancer subtype?
Researchers found that the existing CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib—currently used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer—significantly reduced metastatic tumor growth in models with low miR-342.
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