Heparin, Heparin-like Molecules, and Heparin Mimetics in Breast Cancer: A Concise Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Heparin and heparan sulfate play crucial roles in biological processes relevant to cancer.
• Breast cancer necessitates the development of more effective and safer therapeutic options.
• Heparins and heparin mimetics have demonstrated anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic potential in preclinical breast cancer models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current literature on the application of heparins and heparin mimetics in breast cancer treatment.
• To highlight molecules, conjugates, delivery systems, and combinations involving heparins or their mimetics.
• To survey potential biological targets of these agents in breast cancer.

Main Methods:

• Review of in vitro and in vivo studies on heparins and mimetics in breast cancer.
• Identification and analysis of specific heparin-based molecules, conjugates, and delivery systems.
• Survey of targeted biological pathways and molecules, including growth factors and chemokine axes.

Main Results:

• Heparins (unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin, ultra-low molecular weight heparin, fondaparinux) and mimetics exhibit significant anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic effects in breast cancer models.
• Various molecular strategies, including conjugates and novel delivery systems, enhance the efficacy of heparin-based therapies.
• Key biological targets identified include VEGF, FGF-2, TGFβ-1, PDGF-B, NPP-1, and the CXCL12-CXCR4 and CCR7-CCL21 axes.

Conclusions:

• Heparins and their mimetics, in various forms and combinations, represent a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.
• These agents offer a potentially safer and more effective treatment approach compared to existing therapies.
• Further research into heparin-based therapies could lead to significant advancements in managing breast cancer, the most common cancer in women worldwide.