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Meeting the needs of breast cancer: A nucleolin's perspective
Ana C Gregório1, Manuela Lacerda2, Paulo Figueiredo3
1CNC - Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal.
Abstract:
A major challenge in the management of breast cancer disease has been the development of metastases. Finding new molecular targets and the design of targeted therapeutic approaches to improve the overall survival and quality of life of these patients is, therefore, of great importance. Nucleolin, which is overexpressed in cancer cells and tumor-associated blood vessels, have been implicated in various processes supporting tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. Additionally, its overexpression has been demonstrated in a variety of human neoplasias as an unfavorable prognostic factor, associated with a high risk of relapse and low overall survival. Hence, nucleolin has emerged as a relevant target for therapeutic intervention in cancer malignancy, including breast cancer. This review focus on the contribution of nucleolin for cancer disease and on the development of therapeutic strategies targeting this protein. In this respect, it also provides a critical analysis about the potential and pitfalls of nanomedicine for cancer therapy.
Insights
Nucleolin is overexpressed in breast cancer, promoting metastasis and poor survival. Targeting nucleolin offers a promising therapeutic strategy, potentially enhanced by nanomedicine approaches.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- Metastasis is a major challenge in breast cancer management, impacting patient survival and quality of life.
- Nucleolin is overexpressed in cancer cells and tumor vasculature, contributing to tumorigenesis and angiogenesis.
- High nucleolin levels correlate with unfavorable prognosis, increased relapse risk, and reduced survival in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of nucleolin in breast cancer progression.
- To explore therapeutic strategies targeting nucleolin for cancer treatment.
- To critically analyze the application of nanomedicine in nucleolin-targeted cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on nucleolin's function in cancer.
- Analysis of therapeutic strategies targeting nucleolin.
- Evaluation of nanomedicine's potential and limitations in this context.
Main Results:
- Nucleolin's overexpression supports tumor growth and metastasis.
- Targeting nucleolin presents a viable therapeutic avenue for breast cancer.
- Nanomedicine offers potential advantages but also presents challenges for targeted therapies.
Conclusions:
- Nucleolin is a significant therapeutic target in breast cancer.
- Targeted therapies against nucleolin, especially using nanomedicine, hold promise for improving patient outcomes.
- Further research is needed to overcome the pitfalls of nanomedicine in clinical application.