Delineating breast cancer metastasis
Breast cancer constitutes a major cause of mortality among women worldwide. When diagnosed early, the patient 5-year survival rate is over 90 %. However, metastatic disease often poses complications increasing the chances of relapse. The main aim of the EU-funded ‘Identification of molecular pathways that regulate the organ-specific metastasis of breast cancer’ (Brecosm) project was to identify genes, proteins and pathways involved in breast cancer metastasis. To address these questions, project members used a vast array of techniques including gene expression profiling, bioinformatics analysis, histology and transgenic mouse technology. Several novel breast cancer cell lines were generated with loss or gain of function of genes thought to play a role in organ-specific metastasis of breast cancer. Implantation of these cells into experimental animals allowed scientists to identify several genes responsible for regulating metastasis. Results showed that the majority of the signal transduction pathways involved in breast cancer metastasis were relevant for multiple organs, probably reflecting the promiscuous dissemination pattern of breast cancer. These pathways were also verified in vivo through loss or gain of function in genetically modified animals. Scientists also explored the potential of developing specialised strategies for targeting breast cancer. By using the information generated on potential metastasis biomarkers, certain inhibitors were found to regulate breast cancer metastasis and were also tested in clinical trials. The Brecosm study has provided important insight into the regulatory mechanisms underlying cancer metastasis. Exploitation of the project results is expected to impact the clinical management of breast cancer and benefit patients.
