LONDON: Researchers at the University of Cambridge have made significant strides in understanding breast cancer prevention through a comprehensive study on human breast cells, particularly focusing on people carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
The study, published in Nature Genetics, identified early cell changes in healthy people with these genetic mutations, shedding light on potential preventive measures that may obviate the need for surgery.
Lead researcher Walid Khaled highlighted the discovery of impaired immune cells within the breast tissue of healthy women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. These cells, incapable of eliminating damaged breast cells, may contribute to cancer development.
Khaled emphasized the potential of early intervention with immunotherapy drugs as a viable strategy to prevent breast cancer in individuals with BRCA mutations, a groundbreaking approach that diverges from traditional surgical methods.
The findings from the study underscore the complexities surrounding risk-reducing surgeries, especially for young women, and offer new avenues for preventive measures that address immune cell dysfunction.
The Human Breast Cell Atlas, established through the study, serves as a crucial tool for researchers by providing insights into diverse risk factors for breast cancer, such as age, body mass index (BMI), menopausal status, contraceptive usage, and alcohol consumption.
Austin Reed, a doctoral student involved in the research, highlighted the atlas’s role in revealing how different breast cell types undergo changes with pregnancy and age, influencing breast cancer susceptibility.
Expanding global data collection can further enhance our understanding of breast cancer development and associated risk factors, ultimately improving treatment approaches and outcomes.
Dr. Sara Pensa, a Senior Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, emphasized the importance of prevention in addressing global disparities in breast cancer outcomes, particularly in low-income regions.
