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Emerging Intrinsic Therapeutic Targets for Metastatic Breast Cancer
Jiawei Li1, Eyleen L K Goh2, Ji He1
1The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
Abstract:
Breast cancer is now the most common cancer worldwide, and it is also the main cause of cancer-related death in women. Survival rates for female breast cancer have significantly improved due to early diagnosis and better treatment. Nevertheless, for patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer, the survival rate is still low, reflecting a need for the development of new therapies. Mechanistic insights into metastatic breast cancer have provided excellent opportunities for developing novel therapeutic strategies. Although high-throughput approaches have identified several therapeutic targets in metastatic disease, some subtypes such as triple-negative breast cancer do not yet have an apparent tumor-specific receptor or pathway to target. Therefore, exploring new druggable targets in metastatic disease is a high clinical priority. In this review, we summarize the emerging intrinsic therapeutic targets for metastatic breast cancer, including cyclin D-dependent kinases CDK4 and CDK6, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, the insulin/IGF1R pathway, the EGFR/HER family, the JAK/STAT pathway, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP), TROP-2, Src kinases, histone modification enzymes, activated growth factor receptors, androgen receptors, breast cancer stem cells, matrix metalloproteinases, and immune checkpoint proteins. We also review the latest development in breast cancer immunotherapy. Drugs that target these molecules/pathways are either already FDA-approved or currently being tested in clinical trials.
Insights
New therapeutic targets are emerging for metastatic breast cancer, a leading cause of cancer death in women. This review highlights novel druggable targets and immunotherapies to improve survival rates for advanced disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Breast cancer is the most common worldwide cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related death in women.
- While survival rates have improved, advanced or metastatic breast cancer still has a low survival rate, necessitating new therapeutic strategies.
- Triple-negative breast cancer subtypes lack specific targets, emphasizing the need for novel therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging intrinsic therapeutic targets for metastatic breast cancer.
- To summarize the latest developments in breast cancer immunotherapy.
- To identify new druggable targets for advanced and metastatic breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of emerging therapeutic targets in metastatic breast cancer.
- Analysis of high-throughput approaches for identifying therapeutic targets.
- Review of current clinical trials and FDA-approved drugs targeting these pathways.
Main Results:
- Identified key therapeutic targets including CDK4/6, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, insulin/IGF1R, EGFR/HER, JAK/STAT, PARP, TROP-2, Src kinases, histone modification enzymes, growth factor receptors, androgen receptors, breast cancer stem cells, matrix metalloproteinases, and immune checkpoint proteins.
- Highlighted advancements in breast cancer immunotherapy.
- Noted that drugs targeting these pathways are either FDA-approved or in clinical trials.
Conclusions:
- Emerging intrinsic targets and immunotherapies offer new hope for treating metastatic breast cancer.
- Continued research into novel druggable targets is crucial for improving outcomes in advanced disease.
- Targeted therapies and immunotherapies are advancing treatment options for breast cancer patients.
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