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Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
Molecular Mechanisms of Breast Cancer Metastasis and Potential Anti-metastatic Compounds
Sucharat Tungsukruthai1,2, Nalinrat Petpiroon3,4, Pithi Chanvorachote3,4
1Interdisciplinary Program of Pharmacology Graduate School, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Abstract:
Throughout the world, breast cancer is among the major causes of cancer-related death and is the most common cancer found in women. The development of cancer molecular knowledge has surpassed the novel concept of cancer biology and unraveled principle targets for anticancer drug developments and treatment strategies. Metastatic breast cancer cells acquire their aggressive features through several mechanisms, including augmentation of survival, proliferation, tumorigenicity, and motility-related cellular pathways. Clearly, natural product-derived compounds have since long been recognized as an important source for anticancer drugs, several of which have been shown to have promising anti-metastasis activities by suppressing key molecular features supporting such cell aggressiveness. This review provides the essential details of breast cancer, the molecular-based insights into metastasis, as well as the effects and mechanisms of potential compounds for breast cancer therapeutic approaches. As the abilities of cancer cells to invade and metastasize are addressed as the hallmarks of cancer, compounds possessing anti-metastatic effects, together with their defined molecular drug action could benefit the development of new drugs as well as treatment strategies.
Insights
Natural compounds show promise in fighting breast cancer metastasis. This review explores how these agents suppress aggressive cell features, offering new therapeutic strategies for breast cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death globally and the most common cancer in women.
- Cancer molecular biology has identified key targets for drug development and treatment strategies.
- Metastatic breast cancer cells exhibit aggressive traits via enhanced survival, proliferation, tumorigenicity, and motility pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review breast cancer, molecular insights into metastasis, and the therapeutic potential of natural compounds.
- To highlight compounds with anti-metastatic activities and their molecular mechanisms.
- To inform the development of novel drugs and treatment strategies for breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on breast cancer, metastasis mechanisms, and natural product-derived compounds.
- Analysis of molecular pathways involved in cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
- Evaluation of the anti-metastatic effects and mechanisms of action of natural compounds.
Main Results:
- Natural product-derived compounds are a significant source of anticancer drugs.
- Several natural compounds demonstrate promising anti-metastatic activities.
- These compounds suppress key molecular features driving cancer cell aggressiveness and metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Compounds with anti-metastatic effects are crucial for developing new breast cancer drugs.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of these compounds can enhance therapeutic strategies.
- Targeting metastasis with natural compounds offers a promising avenue for breast cancer treatment.
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