Experts develop the first therapeutic strategy specifically designed for invasive lobular breast cancer

A recent study published in the journal Cancer Research revealed that researchers have successfully developed a new drug targeting invasive lobular breast cancer, a unique type of cancer that is difficult to detect because it spreads in thin strands rather than forming distinct lumps. This form accounts for up to 15% of all breast cancer cases.

According to laboratory results, the new drug, called PXS-5505, has shown strong effectiveness in slowing tumor growth and reducing its spread to the lungs. It works by inhibiting specific enzymes that cancer cells rely on to modify the stiffness of surrounding tissues, a process that helps tumors grow and spread.

In this regard, Professor Catherine Brisken of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology explained that the research team identified a key weakness in this type of cancer: its strong dependence on a collagen-rich environment to grow. The drug is designed to exploit this vulnerability, enabling it to effectively block tumor activity.

These findings represent a major step toward developing the first treatment strategy specifically tailored to this unique type of cancer, especially after the team succeeded in creating realistic laboratory models that mimic how cancer cells grow inside the human body. This breakthrough paves the way for clinical trials to begin in the near future.