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Migraine Drug May Combat Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
6 Feb
Summary
- Sensory nerves in tumors cause immunotherapy resistance in breast cancer.
- Nerves form a physical barrier blocking immune cells from cancer.
- Migraine drug rimegepant showed promise in animal models.
Scientists have pinpointed sensory nerves within triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumors as a significant factor in immunotherapy resistance. Published in Cell, the study reveals these nerves act as gatekeepers, preventing the body's immune system from effectively attacking the disease. TNBC, known for its aggressive nature and high spread risk, often thwarts modern treatments like immunotherapy.
The research team investigated the tumor microenvironment, analyzing 360 samples. They observed that tumors heavily infiltrated by sensory nerves, linked to touch and pain, correlated with poorer patient outcomes. These nerves, upon receiving signals from tumor cells, initiate the production of collagen, forming a physical shield.
To overcome this barrier, the study explored rimegepant, a migraine medication. In animal trials, blocking nerve signals with rimegepant not only curbed cancer progression but also boosted the efficacy of immunotherapy drugs. Given rimegepant's established use, experts anticipate a swift transition to human clinical trials for cancer patients.
