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In an experiments with human cells and live mice, researchers showed that disabling the mechanism with drugs or gene manipulation crippled the cancer cells and inhibited their capacity to spread. The discovery provides a promising target for the development of breast cancer therapies.
Breast cancer deaths occur with metastasis, when the disease moves to other organs or parts of the body, breast cancer cells can survive, undetected, in patients for long periods by using a cellular process- autophagy. Autophagy occurs when any healthy or cancerous cell reshuffles internal components to survive in a stressful and nutrient-poor environment. This allows the cell to partially shut down, entering a state similar to hibernation.
Dormant cells are not actively or frequently dividing, and are thought to be resistant to treatment, the fact that they are hiding elsewhere in the body also helps the cells escape localised treatments such as radiation. In an experiment, researchers led by Hunter’s colleague Laura Vera-Ramirez injected dormant breast cancer cells into mice. Half of fthe animals were given a drug that inhibits autophagy, while the others received a placebo.
In a second experiment, researchers altered a gene that controls autophagy. Both approaches significantly decreased survival of the cancer cells and limited their spread, without recourse to autophagy, the cancer cells accumulated toxic matter and damage to their mitochondria, the energy-producing units of cells.
haleplushearty.org