Breast cancer, specifically the estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) type, is a major cause of death from cancer among women.
The primary treatment, endocrine therapy, faces challenges due to the development of resistance in some patients.
A study from Washington University focuses on the breast cancer antiestrogen resistance 4 (BCAR4) gene, investigating its role in causing resistance to endocrine therapy and its potential as an important biomarker in breast cancer.
The researchers analyzed data from 1,743 patients across six cohorts, examining BCAR4 expression’s impact on outcomes and its link to resistance against aromatase inhibitors (AIs), a key treatment option.
The findings confirm that high BCAR4 expression correlates with worse outcomes and increased resistance to endocrine therapy, particularly in luminal A and B breast cancer subtypes.
This insight suggests BCAR4 as a critical factor in determining resistance to current treatments, including AIs.
By identifying patients with a natural resistance to hormone therapy, healthcare providers can avoid ineffective treatment strategies, leading to better management of breast cancer.
Initially, the BCAR4 gene was identified through its role in tamoxifen resistance. Subsequent studies expanded on this, exploring its impact across different treatments and patient groups.
This latest research validates and extends previous findings, establishing BCAR4’s significant association with resistance to both tamoxifen and AIs, marking a step forward in understanding breast cancer’s complexity.
The study underscores the need for continuous research to discover more about drug resistance mechanisms, aiming to enhance treatment approaches and patient outcomes in breast cancer.
