New insights into the discovery of drugs for triple-negative breast cancer metastasis

Author(s)

Altei, Wanessa Fernanda ; Pachane, Bianca Cruz ; Souza, Cristiano ; Marques, Marcia Maria Chiquitelli ; Selistre-de-Araujo, Heloisa

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DISCOVERY; v. 17, n. 4, p. 12-pg., 2022-02-20.

Abstract

Introduction Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is of great concern due to its aggressiveness and lack of targeted therapy. For these reasons, TNBC is one of the main causes of death in women, mainly due to metastases. Tumor dissemination has highlighted a set of possible targets, with extensive research into new single-target drugs, in addition to drug repurposing strategies, being undertaken to discover new classes of potential inhibitors of metastasis. Areas covered The authors here describe the main proposed targets and the bases of their pharmacological inhibition with different chemical compounds. The authors also discuss the state-of-the-art from the latest clinical trials and highlight other potential targets for metastatic TNBC. Expert opinion In the last decade, oncology research has changed its focus from primary tumors to moving tumor cells, their products, and to the secondary tumor and its surroundings, for the purpose of finding targets to treat metastasis. Consequently, our comprehension of the complexity of the metastatic process has increased drastically, with, furthermore, the discovery of new potential targets. Although promising, the wide range of strategies is still not effective to suppress TNBC metastasis in terms of increasing patient survival or decreasing the number of metastases. Treating or preventing metastasis continues to be a great challenge. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/18747-8 - Tumor breast cell exosomes and their role in cell adhesion during metastasis
• Grantee: Wanessa Fernanda Altei
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 13/00798-2 - The extracellular matrix in aging, exercise and in the tumor microenvironment
• Grantee: Heloisa Sobreiro Selistre de Araújo
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/01983-4 - Influence of hypoxic extracellular vesicles in cell invasion and tumour microenvironment on Breast Cancer
• Grantee: Bianca Cruz Pachane
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 19/11437-7 - Integrin molecular mechanisms of action during tumor progression and metastasis development: an intercellular approach
• Grantee: Heloisa Sobreiro Selistre de Araújo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants