Scientists Find Possible Key To Blocking Breast Cancer Before Tumor Forms
Summary
Scientists at UC San Francisco discovered that stiff, dense breast tissue causes immune cells called macrophages to release chemicals that damage nearby cells' DNA, which may lead to breast cancer. This finding could help develop ways to prevent breast cancer before tumors form.Key Facts
- Dense breast tissue is harder and appears white on mammograms, making cancer harder to detect.
- Women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
- Researchers found that stiffness in dense tissue changes macrophage behavior, causing them to produce DNA-damaging chemicals.
- These chemicals include reactive oxygen species (ROS) that turn into harmful agents capable of traveling to nearby cells.
- Stiffer tumor areas contain more collagen, scarring, macrophages, and DNA mutations.
- The STAT3 signaling pathway is active in stiff tissue and may help attract macrophages involved in cancer growth.
- The study was published in the journal Cancer Cell.
- Researchers hope to develop drugs that block these damaging chemicals to prevent breast cancer.
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