Curcumol Suppresses Triple-negative Breast Cancer Metastasis by Attenuating Anoikis Resistance via Inhibition of Skp2-mediated Transcriptional Addiction

BACKGROUND/AIM

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a unique subtype that lacks expression of several conventional biomarkers and has a higher incidence of lymph node invasion and distal metastasis among all breast cancers. Anoikis resistance is the fundamental reason behind tumor cells' survival without their attachment to the extracellular matrix and metastasis to distal organs. Therefore, finding novel anti-cancer drugs that can suppress anoikis resistance in cancer cells is critical for patients with TNBC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Curcumol, a natural compound, was used to assess whether it can inhibit the anoikis resistance and affects cell mortality and motility of IV2-1 TNBC cells.

RESULTS

Curcumol suppressed anoikis resistance and inhibited TNBC cell survival in suspension. Additionally, these anti-cancer effects induced by curcumol could be related to the YAP1/Skp2 molecular pathway.

CONCLUSION

Curcumol is an effective Skp2-targeted therapy that attenuates anoikis resistance and metastasis in TNBC cells.

Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin as Adjuvant Therapy for Stage I-III Operable Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Conventional anthracyclines play an essential role for the treatment of breast cancer and have potent cytotoxic activity, but are associated with severe toxicity. In metastatic breast cancer, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is a formulation with efficacy similar to conventional doxorubicin but with reduced toxicity. This multicenter study evaluated the efficacy and safety of PLD-based adjuvant chemotherapy for women with stage I-III operable breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and eighty women with stage I-III breast cancer who received PLD-based adjuvant chemotherapy at six different Institutions in Taiwan from February 2002 to March 2008 were included and followed-up until April 2015. Treatment efficacy was determined by disease-free survival (DFS) rate and safety was evaluated by adverse events.

RESULTS

The 5- and 10-year DFS rates were 76.3 and 72.6%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that tumor size >5 cm (p=0.045; hazard ratio=3.31) and stage III (hazard ratio=3.54; p=0.019) were each associated with shorter DFS. Only stage III (hazard ratio=5.60; p=0.018) retained statistical significance with regard to DFS in the multivariate analysis. Grade 3/4 hematological toxicity was neutropenia (n=13; 7.2%). The women receiving PLD had low-grade 3 or 4 nausea/vomiting, mucositis, and alopecia. Grade 3 hand-foot syndrome occurred in three patients (1.7%).

CONCLUSION

PLD could be considered an effective and safe alternative to conventional anthracyclines in the treatment of stage I-III operable breast cancer.