Targeting Breast Cancer Metastasis

Abstract

Metastasis is the leading cause of breast cancer-associated deaths. Despite the significant improvement in current therapies in extending patient life, 30-40% of patients may eventually suffer from distant relapse and succumb to the disease. Consequently, a deeper understanding of the metastasis biology is key to developing better treatment strategies and achieving long-lasting therapeutic efficacies against breast cancer. This review covers recent breakthroughs in the discovery of various metastatic traits that contribute to the metastasis cascade of breast cancer, which may provide novel avenues for therapeutic targeting.

Keywords: breast cancer; metastasis; metastatic traits; precision medicine; targeted therapy.

Figure 1

A schematic shows the metastasis cascade and the gene mediators, signaling pathways, and programs that contribute to each step of the cascade. Abbreviations: EMT, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition; prog., program; sig., signaling.

Figure 2

A schematic shows key pathways of breast tumorigenesis and their targeted agents. Notes: Small molecules are highlighted in light shade; antagonist antibodies are highlighted in dark shade; *indicates multitargeted inhibitors. Abbreviations: RTK, receptor tyrosine kinase; AI, aromatase inhibitor; SERM, selective estrogen receptor modulator.