Scientists have uncovered a hidden biological mechanism that may help aggressive breast cancer grow and survive. The new research suggests that triple-negative breast cancer can manipulate immune cells to attract nerves into tumours, creating a nerve network that may support cancer progression.
How breast cancer attracts nerves into tumours
Researchers from the University of Oklahoma found that breast tumours can recruit macrophages, immune cells that normally help fight infections and repair damaged tissues.
Once inside the tumour, these macrophages release a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. This protein encourages nearby nerves to grow toward and into the tumour.
While BDNF normally supports nerve-cell growth and survival, the researchers found that breast cancer may exploit this process to create an environment that helps the tumour thrive.
Nerve network may help breast cancer grow
Scientists have known that many solid tumours contain networks of nerves, but it was unclear how these nerves entered the cancerous tissue.
The new findings provide a possible explanation. According to the researchers, macrophages appear to act as a bridge between the tumour and surrounding nerves by producing BDNF.
The researchers believe these nerves may contribute to tumour growth, treatment resistance and potentially cancer spread. Nerves may also help stimulate the formation of blood vessels, supplying tumours with oxygen and nutrients.
Blocking BDNF slowed tumour growth
The study also explored whether interrupting this nerve-growth pathway could affect breast cancer.
In experiments involving mice, researchers used a drug that blocks BDNF signalling. They found that blocking the signal prevented nerves from growing into the tumours and significantly slowed tumour growth.
The findings raise the possibility that future cancer treatments could target not only cancer cells but also the communication between immune cells, nerves and tumours.
What researchers found in breast cancer patients
The team also analysed data from people with triple-negative breast cancer. Tumours containing higher levels of macrophages and BDNF were associated with poorer survival.
This supports the possibility that the mechanism observed in laboratory experiments could also be relevant to human breast cancer. However, more research is needed to understand exactly how tumour-associated nerves influence cancer progression and whether targeting this pathway can benefit patients.
Could nerve-targeting treatment become a new cancer strategy?
The research could open a new direction in breast cancer treatment. Instead of focusing exclusively on destroying cancer cells, scientists may eventually target the biological signals that help tumours build supportive networks around themselves.
The researchers now plan to investigate how nerves contribute to tumour growth and whether similar mechanisms occur in other aggressive cancers.
Importantly, the current findings are based largely on experimental research and do not mean that a nerve-targeting treatment for breast cancer is currently available. Further studies and clinical trials will be needed to determine whether blocking BDNF signalling can safely and effectively improve outcomes for people with breast cancer
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