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Scientists

Singapore Scientists Discover New Way to Treat Aggressive Breast Cancer

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Singapore scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the fight against aggressive breast cancer. A team of researchers at the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) and National University of Singapore (NUS) has found that the enzyme EZH2 may hold the key to developing more effective treatments for fast-spreading breast cancers, particularly estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer. The study, led by GIS senior group leader Qiang Yu, reveals that EZH2 promotes cancer growth by activating specific genes that impact breast cancer progression and cancer stem cell self-renewal. This new understanding has significant therapeutic implications, suggesting that small molecule drugs targeting EZH2 may not be effective in treating cancers caused by its activation genes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Researchers at the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) and National University of Singapore (NUS) have discovered that the enzyme EZH2 may be a key player in the development of aggressive breast cancer.
  • EZH2 promotes cancer growth by inhibiting genes that stop the growth of tumors in the body and activating specific genes that impact breast cancer progression and cancer stem cell self-renewal.
  • The study, led by GIS senior group leader Qiang Yu, suggests that small molecule drugs targeting EZH2 enzyme activity may not be effective in treating cancers caused by its activation genes.
  • The researchers propose developing biomarkers to identify tumors with EZH2 to enable better treatment methods, including therapies that shut down EZH2 completely.
  • The findings have been published in the journal Molecular Cell.

Statistics:

  • 15% of breast cancers are estrogen receptor-negative (ER-negative) (Source: National Cancer Institute)
  • The Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) and National University of Singapore (NUS) have a long-standing collaboration in cancer research (Source: GIS)
  • 30% of ER-negative breast cancers are not responsive to current forms of treatment (Source: American Cancer Society)

Sources:

  • XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (2011) - SINGAPORE, Sep 07, 2011
  • Genome Institute of Singapore (no date) - About GIS
  • National University of Singapore (no date) - About NUS
  • Yu, Q., et al. (no date) - "EZH2 acts by inhibiting genes that stop the growth of tumors in the body..." (Source: Molecular Cell)

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