Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a fast-growing and hard-to-treat form of breast cancer. This study looked at a protein called DEDD, which is found at high levels in many TNBC tumors. Instead of helping cells die like it normally does, DEDD was found in a different part of the cell where it helps cancer cells grow by speeding up their cell cycle. To support this research, scientists used tumor samples from multiple sources, including breast tissue donated to the Komen Tissue Bank, to examine how DEDD behaves in real human tumors.
The researchers discovered that TNBC cells with high DEDD levels become especially vulnerable to a two-drug combo: one that blocks cell growth and one that targets EGFR, a common protein in cancer cells. This treatment worked even in cases where other treatments usually fail. The results suggest that DEDD could help doctors find better treatment options for people with TNBC.
