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An aggressive form of breast cancer may use immune cells to recruit and “hijack” nerves that help tumors grow and resist treatment, according to researchers cited by SciTechDaily.
Scientists at the University of Oklahoma focused on triple-negative breast cancer and the role of macrophages — immune cells that normally help fight infections and repair damaged tissue.
The researchers found that tumors can recruit macrophages into their surrounding environment, where the cells release brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that promotes nerve-cell growth. Within breast tumors, this signal appears to attract nearby nerves, which can then support tumor growth and resistance to treatment.
“Macrophages are an extremely important source for recruiting nerve cells into the tumor,” said Maureen Cox, an associate professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Oklahoma and a researcher at the Stephenson Cancer Center.
Blocking the signal slowed tumor growth
The researchers tested whether disrupting the communication between macrophages and nerves could affect tumor development. In mice, they used a drug that blocks BDNF signaling.
The treatment prevented nerves from growing into the tumors and significantly slowed tumor growth.
The scientists also analyzed data from patients with aggressive breast cancer. Higher levels of macrophages and BDNF in tumors were associated with poorer survival outcomes, suggesting that a similar mechanism may occur in humans.
The findings point to a potential treatment strategy that does not directly target cancer cells. Instead, therapies could disrupt the biological signals that allow tumors to recruit and use nerves to support their growth.
