Scientists achieve ‘gamechanger’ breakthrough in breast cancer treatment

Scientists have developed a method to preserve breast tissue outside the human body for at least a week, a breakthrough that could significantly impact breast cancer research.

The study, funded by the Prevent Breast Cancer charity and published in the Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia, revealed that breast tissue could be maintained in a special gel solution. This method will enable scientists to identify the most effective drug treatments for patients.

Breast Cancer Treatment Breakthrough: What It Means
Dr. Hannah Harrison, a research fellow at the University of Manchester, explained that this discovery allows scientists to test the most suitable drugs on living tissue, aiding in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.

“There are various risk-reducing options for women at high risk of developing breast cancer, such as those with a significant family history or BRCA gene mutations,” Dr. Harrison told The Guardian.

“However, not all drugs work for all women. This new method allows us to determine which drugs will be effective for specific individuals by measuring their impact on living tissue.”

“This ultimately means that women can take the most effective drug for their particular genetic makeup.”

Led by Dr. Harrison, the team managed to keep breast tissue viable outside the body for extended periods. “By testing different hydrogel formulas, we found a solution that preserves human breast tissue for at least a week – and often longer,” she said.

“This is a gamechanger for breast cancer research. We can better test drugs for both the prevention and treatment of cancer and examine how factors like breast density – known to be a risk factor for breast cancer – react to specific hormones or chemicals to see if they impact cancer development.”