New study: This is how quickly breast cancer really develops
A new study published in the journal Nature has found that breast cancer usually over a period of several years arises. The study examined the development of breast cancer cells in mice and found that on average about 10 years It takes time for a modified cell to develop into a tumor.
The study also found that the speed at which breast cancer develops may depend on various factors, including:
- The age: Breast cancer is more common in women aged 50 or older.
- Genetic factors: Women with certain genetic changes have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
- Hormonal factors: Women who enter menopause early or take the hormones estrogen and progesterone for a long time have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
- Environmental factors: Smoking, being overweight and drinking alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer.
The study was carried out by a team of scientists from the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg. The scientists examined the development of breast cancer cells in mice by observing the cells over a period of several years. They found that the cells grew slowly and did not spread during the first few years of development. Only after about 10 years the cells began to grow and spread faster.
Scientists believe that the slow development of breast cancer cells is a way that the cells can evade the immune system. The immune system can recognize and fight cancer cells. However, if the cancer cells grow slowly and do not spread, it is harder for the immune system to recognize and fight them.
The study with the title “Breast Cancer Initiation and Progression Is Prolonged and Requires Multiple Genetic Alterations” was published in the journal “Nature”.
Even more current research results in breast cancer therapy
The magazine is currently reporting on the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in December 2023 Medscpae : “Long-term results from the KATHERINE study demonstrate the positive effect of trastuzumab emtansine in women with pathological residual tumor after neoadjuvant therapy. However, the long-term data from the MONARCH3 study were not so convincing: Abemaciclib plus aromatase inhibitor failed to significantly prolong overall survival in first-line therapy.”