Published on Show Me Mizzou Dec. 19, 2024
Mizzou Researchers have developed a promising new approach to treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly challenging form of the disease. TNBC makes up about 15% of breast cancer cases and is difficult to treat because it lacks the three common receptors that most breast cancer therapies target. This forces many patients to rely on high doses of chemotherapy, which often leads to severe side effects such as hair loss, nausea and pain. The spread of TNBC cells to vital organs, such as the brain or lungs, is a major cause of death for patients.
Salman Hyder, a professor in Mizzou’s College of Veterinary Medicine, led the study with investigator Yayun Liang. Together, they discovered that targeting cholesterol production in cancer cells could be a game-changer. A cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor known as an RO compound blocks a key enzyme involved in the process. Cancer cells rely on the enzyme to grow and multiply. Not only does this compound kill the cancer cells, but it also prevents tumors from forming the blood vessels they need to keep expanding.
“Cancer cells can replicate very rapidly and become a tumor, but they need cholesterol,” Hyder explained. “A lot of energy is required for this process, and mitochondria involved in energy production require cholesterol biosynthesis because both tumor cells and mitochondria need membranes to be reproduced over and over again.”
The discovery offers hope for developing a new treatment and reducing reliance on harsh chemotherapy. “Our ultimate goal is to make life better for those who are suffering from this disease by offering a less toxic alternative to chemotherapy,” Hyder said.
The researchers presented their work at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Boston, and it will be published in the Journal of Endocrine Society, potentially paving the way for human clinical trials.
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