A study by researchers from the Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, reveals that despite the effectiveness of endocrine therapy for breast cancer, responsiveness to the treatment depends on expression of estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells. However, Dr. Laura Giacinti, lead investigator of the study reports on a new molecule, Scriptaid, which revives receptivity to the treatment in breast cancer cell lines that previously tested negative for the expression of estrogen receptors. The study appears in the Journal of Cellular Physiology.
Dr. Giacinti explains:
“Moreover, cells with more aggressive behavior have been shown to be the most responsive to the drug, which was able not only to restore the hormonal responsiveness, but also to have antitumor activity, resulting in a malignant cell death and reduction of a series of more aggressive cell parameters.”
Dr. Antonio Giordano, director of the Sbarro Institute, said:
“These findings open the possibility of endocrine therapy even in patients now considered non-responsive, allowing them to have more available treatment options.”
Scriptaid belongs to the class of histone deacetylase inhibitors. Using Scriptaid, the researchers assessed treatment on cell lines that tested negative for estrogen receptors. After treatment with Scriptaid, the researchers discovered that the cells tested positive for estrogen receptors and were responsive to endocrine therapy with antiestrogens.
Approximately one fourth of individuals with breast cancer test negative for these receptors, while more lose the expression of estrogen receptors during the course of the disease. In cases like these, the disease is usually a more aggressive cellular type.
According to recent findings, the expression of these receptors can be controlled by reversible epigenetic mechanisms, which can lead to the testing of new drugs to restore normal cell expression.
Giacinti, explains:
“We wish to continue our trials with this molecule, emphasizing its potential also in cancer prevention. In addition, we are generating a new series of even more specific molecules that will target this complex pathway.”
Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine is a nonprofit cancer, cardiovascular and diabetes research center located in Philadelphia, PA.
Written by Grace Rattue