Scientists from the CSIR-CDRI have discovered the first therapeutic target for TNBC, one of the most aggressive and deadly subtypes of breast cancer. After five years of research, this study provides rays of hope for better treatment options for patients challenged by this tough disease.

Key Highlights

1. Targeting ACSL4 Enzyme:

2. Researchers have identified the enzyme acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4) as a critical player in the progression of TNBC.

3. Inhibiting ACSL4 could disrupt cancer cell migration and potentially reduce metastasis, a primary cause of death among TNBC patients.

2.   Importance of the Study:

• TNBC lacks hormone receptors, making standard targeted therapies like Tamoxifen and Herceptin ineffective.

• India faces the highest incidence of TNBC globally, emphasizing the urgency for novel and effective treatments.

3.   Research Methodology:

• The study involved TNBC cell lines, human tissue samples, and mouse models to investigate ACSL4's role in cancer metastasis.

• Collaborative efforts included King George's Medical University, Lucknow, and IISER Pune.

4.    Findings and Implications:

• Over 90% of TNBC deaths result from metastasis, where cancer cells colonize distant organs.

• The study highlights ACSL4's role in fatty acid metabolism, which fuels the energy demands of metastasizing cancer cells.

• The inhibitors developed against ACSL4 can block the spread of cancer and, thus, provide life-saving treatment.

5.    Expert Insights

• Prof. Dipak Datta, Senior Scientist, CDRI:

"Our study identifies ACSL4 as a key driver of TNBC metastasis. Targeting this enzyme may lead to effective therapies for this aggressive cancer subtype."

• Abhipsa Sinha, First Author of the Study:

"By disrupting ACSL4 activity, we can address the metabolic and epigenetic changes fueling TNBC, offering hope for better disease management."
6.    Implication for India:
With India referred to as the "TNBC capital" of the world, this research would be considered the landmark contribution towards the cure for this disease. It has already been published in the renowned scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that brings the country one step closer to developing targeted therapy for TNBC patients.Identification of ACSL4 as a therapeutic target would not only improve our understanding of TNBC, but would lay open avenues for developing innovative treatments. Further in-depth research should lead the researcher to possible life-saving solutions to millions battling this aggressive cancer.