Researchers Identify a Drug that Could Stop the Spread of Breast Cancer

Could a drug currently used to treat brain and lung cancers, and sarcoma, prove successful in treating breast cancer? Researchers at the Mayo Clinic said that the drug, Panzem, is definitely showing that potential, according to a recent press release. Over 240,000 people are diagnosed with new cases of breast cancer every year.

In a recent research study, researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found that the drug, 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) that is sold under the name Panzem, successfully stopped the spread of cancer in mice.

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic determined that 2ME2 could:
* Target breast cancer cells
* Prevent breast cancer cells from spreading from the breast area to our bones
* Protect bones from osteolysis. Osteolysis happens when cancer spreads to the bone and proceeds to eat away at the bones

Noting that this drug is already used to treat other cancers, this study was conducted on mice. Initial research data showed that tumors that were located in the mammary fat glands (soft tissue) and bone tumors were reduced when the mice were given injections of 2ME2.

While 2ME2 shows promise in the fight against breast cancer, researchers state that clinical trials will need to be conducted and further research must be done. The current research trials that have been done with this drug show that it has not performed well when taken orally. In the Mayo Clinic study 2ME2 was administered in a lower dose via an injection instead of being given orally.

Key data developed from this study revealed that the drug, 2ME2, had the ability to cause the self-destruction of cancer cells, a process called apoptosis. However, they caution that when a cell is damaged and cannot self-destruct, it can grow into a tumor.

2ME2 is derived from the hormone, estrogen. This drug blocks our body's ability to form new blood vessels. Tumors in our bodies need new blood vessels to supply nutrients that are needed for tumors to grow. Without the necessary nutrients, tumors won't be able to increase in size.