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Each year, approximately 240,000 instances of breast cancer are identified among women and 2,100 among men in the United States. The toll of this disease is reflected in the fact that each year, around 42,000 women and 500 men succumb to breast cancer in the U.S.
Cancer is characterised by uncontrolled cell growth within the body. Among women in the United States, breast cancer ranks as the most prevalent form of cancer, excluding skin cancer. While there has been a decrease in mortality rates associated with breast cancer over the years, it still maintains its position as the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women at large.
It is disconcerting to note that black women experience a higher mortality rate from breast cancer. The gravity of these statistics underscores the pressing need for continued research, awareness, and advancements in healthcare to address the impact of breast cancer across diverse populations.
In light of this, researchers from Penn State have unravelled the mechanics behind the invasion of healthy tissues by breast cancer cells, shedding light on a crucial aspect of cancer metastasis. The U.S. National Science Foundation supports this discovery, unveiling the pivotal role of a motor protein called dynein in propelling the movement of cancer cells within soft tissue models. The findings present potential clinical targets against metastasis and can revolutionise the approach to cancer treatment.
The study signifies a paradigm shift in understanding the mechanics of cancer cell motility. Erdem Tabdanov, a pharmacologist at Penn State and a lead co-corresponding author on the study, emphasised the discovery significance of this innovation, “Until now, dynein has never been caught in the business of providing the mechanical force for cancer cell motility, which is their ability to move. Now we can see that if you target dynein, you could effectively stop motility of those cells and, therefore, stop metastatic dissemination,” he expressed.
During this work, the researchers utilised live microscopy to observe the migration of breast cancer cells in two distinct systems designed to replicate human body conditions. The first system, a 2D network of collagen fibres, revealed the intricate movement of cancer cells through an extracellular matrix surrounding tumours, highlighting the critical role of dynein.
The second system, a 3D model developed by a team led by Amir Sheikhi, a chemical and biomedical engineer at Penn State, aimed to mimic soft tissue using microscopic hydrogel particles or microgels linked together in tumour-like shapes. In both models, the researchers found that dynein was “indispensable” in the spread or metastasis of cancer cells.
Sheikhi emphasised the impact of this discovery on cancer management, stating, “Using these three-dimensional models that partially mimic a tumour, we discovered that if we block dynein, the cancer cells cannot effectively move and infiltrate solid tissues. Instead of killing the cancer cells with radiation or chemotherapy, we are showing how to paralyse them.”
This breakthrough is particularly noteworthy as it introduces a less aggressive approach to cancer treatment, aiming to halt the movement of cancer cells rather than indiscriminately targeting both cancerous and healthy cells. By leveraging digital microscopy and innovative 3D models, the research offers a transformative perspective on cancer management.
The potential clinical implications of this discovery are vast, providing a new avenue for developing targeted therapies against metastasis. In the era of precision medicine, where tailored treatments are gaining prominence, understanding the mechanics of cancer cell motility at a molecular level opens doors to more nuanced and effective interventions.
As the research community embraces digital technologies and advanced modelling techniques, this study stands as a testament to the power of innovation in unravelling the complexities of cancer biology. Integrating digital microscopy into the study of cancer dynamics showcases how technology can drive the future of medical research and treatment.
Further, the implications of this research extend beyond breast cancer, offering a blueprint for exploring similar mechanisms in other types of cancer and paving the way for a more targeted and less invasive approach to cancer therapeutics.
