A Common Antidepressant Could Help Fight Breast Cancer

A new study from UCLA has uncovered a surprising potential for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly used antidepressants, to improve the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. The groundbreaking research, published in Cell, highlights how these widely prescribed medications could offer a new avenue for cancer treatment, including for breast cancer.

SSRIs Could Supercharge the Immune System’s Cancer-Fighting Cells

SSRIs, such as Prozac and Celexa, are best known for their role in treating depression by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. But this new research shows that these drugs do more than lift our mood—they could also enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.

Dr. Lili Yang, senior author of the study, explains: “These drugs have been widely and safely used to treat depression for decades. Repurposing them for cancer treatment could be a lot easier than developing new therapies from scratch.”

How SSRIs Work to Target Cancer Cells

The UCLA team’s research found that SSRIs can significantly improve the function of T cells—immune cells responsible for attacking tumors. When these cells are exposed to SSRIs, they become more effective at killing cancer cells, including those found in breast cancer, melanoma, prostate cancer, and other tumor types.

In their study, the researchers observed that SSRIs reduced tumor size by more than 50% in both mouse and human tumor models. The drugs acted by “making the killer T cells happier” and more effective in attacking and destroying cancer cells, even in the hostile environment of a tumor.

The Connection Between Serotonin and the Immune System

While serotonin is typically associated with brain function, it’s also crucial in regulating immune activity throughout the body. The UCLA team initially noticed that immune cells in tumors had higher levels of serotonin-regulating molecules. Their earlier work suggested that higher serotonin levels might help immune cells fight cancer more effectively, leading them to focus on SSRIs.

Dr. Bo Li, lead author of the study, elaborated on this discovery: “Unlike other molecules, SERT—the serotonin transporter—has one specific job: to transport serotonin. SSRIs target this transporter with minimal side effects, making them an attractive option for cancer treatment.”

Breast Cancer and Immune Boosting

Breast cancer, one of the most common cancers in women worldwide, could particularly benefit from this new discovery. The ability to enhance the action of T cells through SSRIs could improve outcomes for breast cancer patients, particularly those undergoing immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies. This approach works by helping T cells overcome the tumor’s defenses and target the cancer more effectively.

The potential combination of SSRIs with existing cancer treatments could offer new hope for patients battling difficult-to-treat cancers, including breast cancer.

Combining SSRIs with Other Cancer Therapies

One of the most promising aspects of the study is the potential synergy between SSRIs and existing cancer therapies. The researchers tested the combination of SSRIs with anti-PD-1 antibody, a popular form of immune checkpoint blockade therapy. In their experiments, the combination significantly reduced tumor size across multiple cancer models, including melanoma and colon cancer.

“Immune checkpoint blockades are effective in fewer than 25% of patients,” said James Elsten-Brown, co-author of the study. “If a safe, widely available drug like an SSRI could make these therapies more effective, it would be hugely impactful.”

SSRIs: A Fast-Track Option for Cancer Treatment

Dr. Yang and her team are now exploring whether cancer patients already taking SSRIs see better outcomes, particularly those receiving ICB therapies. Since about 20% of cancer patients take antidepressants, often SSRIs, this could provide an exciting new way to enhance treatment without introducing additional risks.

Using already-approved medications could also drastically reduce the cost and time involved in developing new cancer treatments. Dr. Yang points out that repurposing existing drugs costs much less—around $300 million—compared to the $1.5 billion typically spent on developing new cancer therapies from scratch.

A New Era in Cancer Treatment?

This innovative research opens up exciting possibilities for the future of cancer treatment. By repurposing SSRIs to boost the body’s immune system, doctors may be able to offer more effective treatments for a variety of cancers, including breast cancer. This could be a game-changer, particularly for patients who have limited options with traditional therapies.

The UCLA team’s work could pave the way for clinical trials aimed at testing SSRIs in combination with other cancer treatments, potentially revolutionizing how we fight cancer.

Stay informed and engaged with the latest advancements. Empower yourself with knowledge and make more informed decisions about your breast cancer treatment and care. Visit the Breast Advocate App website today and join us in the fight against breast cancer.

Light-Activated “Smart” Bomb Targets Aggressive Breast Cancer

New Light-Activated Therapy Targets Aggressive Breast Cancer

A groundbreaking therapy may offer new hope for women with aggressive breast cancer—and fewer side effects. Professors Sophia and Richard Lunt from Michigan State University teamed up with UC Riverside chemist Vincent Lavallo. Their mission: create a safer, more effective cancer treatment using light-activated chemicals.

???? How the “Smart” Bomb Works

These new compounds—called cyanine-carborane salts—are used in photodynamic therapy (PDT).
They are activated by near-infrared light, which penetrates deep into tissue. Once inside cancer cells, light triggers the salts to destroy tumors—like a guided missile. Healthy cells are left unharmed, reducing damage to the body.

???? Solving PDT’s Biggest Problem

Traditional PDT chemicals stay in the skin for months. Patients must avoid light or risk burns and blisters. These new salts clear faster and work more precisely, eliminating the need to live in the dark.

???? Tested Successfully in Mice

Mouse studies showed effective tumor destruction with minimal side effects. Researchers are optimistic about future human applications.

???? A Path Toward Broader Use

“This opens the door to new cancer therapies and targeted drug delivery,” said graduate researcher Amir Roshanzadeh. Next step: testing on other cancers.

???? Multidisciplinary Team, One Goal

“This breakthrough happened because experts from different fields worked together,” said Richard Lunt. Collaboration made this innovation possible.

Breast Cancer Mortality Declines in Women Ages 20–49

breast cancer mortality rates, Susan g komen,

A major study has revealed promising news: breast cancer deaths have dropped significantly in younger women over the past decade. Between 2010 and 2020, breast cancer mortality declined in all subtypes and racial/ethnic groups. The sharpest drops began after 2016. Although breast cancer diagnoses in women under 50 are rising, fewer are dying from the disease. This trend was confirmed using SEER registry data presented at AACR 2025.

Study Focused on Women Aged 20–49

Researchers analyzed 11,661 breast cancer deaths between 2010 and 2020.
They looked at subtypes like luminal A, luminal B, HER2-enriched, and triple-negative. Luminal A showed the greatest decline in deaths, especially in 2017. Triple-negative cancers also saw a major drop in 2018. For women aged 20–39, luminal A survival was lower than expected. This challenges assumptions, as luminal A is usually less aggressive.

Racial Disparities Still Exist

Non-Hispanic Black women had the highest mortality in 2010 and 2020. Non-Hispanic white women had the lowest in both years. Mortality began falling sooner in some groups.
Biggest drops happened:

Black women: 2016
Asian/Pacific Islander women: 2013
Hispanic women: 2017
American Indian/Alaska Native women: 2018

Long-Term Survival Shows Inequities

Non-Hispanic Black women had the worst 10-year survival. White and Asian/Pacific Islander women had the best. CDK4/6 inhibitors and better endocrine therapies played a major role. These treatments became widely available after 2015.

More Research and Equity Needed

Understanding tumor biology in younger women remains critical. Access to screening and quality care must improve for all groups. Follow-up was limited to 10 years. Some racial/ethnic groups had small sample sizes.

Bottom Line:
We’ve made real progress in saving lives, but disparities remain. Let’s continue pushing for research, equity, and access to care.

Lymph Node Transfer Shows Promise After Breast Cancer Surgery

A study from Finland has found that lymph node transfer is a viable treatment for lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. However, an effective drug to improve the treatment’s outcomes is still being researched.

Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Surgery

One in four women with breast cancer undergoes axillary lymph node removal surgery. This surgery is done if cancer spreads to the lymph nodes. Around 20-40% of these women develop lymphedema, a condition where fluid builds up in the arm.

Swelling Can Appear Years Later

Lymphedema may begin six months after surgery or even years later. Over time, fluid, fat, and connective tissue accumulate in the arm, causing it to swell. This swelling can make everyday activities difficult.

Current Treatments for Lymphedema

Compression sleeves help control swelling, but they are not always effective. Surgery options include liposuction, lymphatic bypass, and lymph node transfer. In lymph node transfer, lymph nodes from the groin are moved to the armpit to replace the removed nodes.

A New Drug to Improve Treatment

Pauliina Hartiala, a plastic surgeon and researcher, led a multicenter study to test a growth factor drug called Lymfactin. The drug was designed to promote lymphatic vessel growth and improve the outcome of lymph node transfer.

Study Results: Lymfactin Did Not Provide Extra Benefit

The study, conducted in Finland and Sweden, involved 39 women. The results showed that Lymfactin did not improve the lymph node transfer results in humans. However, it did help reduce skin fluid in the treated group more than in the placebo group.

Lymph Node Transfer Improves Quality of Life

Despite the mixed results with Lymfactin, Hartiala is encouraged by the overall outcomes. Lymph node transfer improved arm volume and significantly boosted the quality of life for patients.

Lymphedema May Have Immunological Factors

Hartiala believes that lymphedema may not just be a lymphatic issue but also involve an immunological factor. She suggests that immune cells might contribute to the fat and connective tissue build-up in the arm.

Future Research Could Lead to Better Treatments

Further research into the immune system’s role in lymphedema could help develop more effective treatments. Hartiala hopes this will lead to better care for women with lymphedema after breast cancer surgery.

Study Links Diabetes to Outcomes in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

A new study reveals why women with obesity-driven diabetes and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) often have worse outcomes. The research suggests that diabetes can alter the biology of cancer and increase its aggressiveness.

Diabetes and Breast Cancer: A Dangerous Connection

More than 120 million Americans suffer from diabetes or pre-diabetes. Triple-negative breast cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer. Patients with both TNBC and obesity-driven diabetes often face poorer survival rates.

New Insights from Boston University Researchers

Researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine found that insulin resistance increases TNBC aggressiveness. Their study, published in Molecular Cancer Research, reveals how diabetes impacts breast cancer biology.

Exosomes from Fat Cells Fuel Cancer Growth

The study focused on exosomes, tiny particles released by fat cells. These exosomes contain microRNAs, which are linked to cancer progression. When added to TNBC cells in lab experiments, these exosomes worsened the cancer’s growth and ability to spread.

Brain Metastasis Linked to Diabetes

The researchers discovered that these exosomes help TNBC cells survive under stress and spread to the brain. This discovery sheds light on why patients with obesity-driven diabetes have higher rates of brain metastasis.

Study Highlights the Role of Metabolic Health

“This study shows that cancer is influenced by overall health, including conditions like diabetes,” said Dr. Gerald V. Denis, the study’s lead author. “Treating underlying health conditions could improve outcomes for breast cancer patients.”

A Step Toward Personalized Treatment

The findings suggest that patients with obesity-driven diabetes should be treated differently from those without metabolic disorders. The study emphasizes the need for more personalized therapies for aggressive cancers like TNBC.

This groundbreaking research could change how doctors treat patients with both diabetes and TNBC. It also highlights the importance of addressing metabolic health to improve cancer treatment outcomes.

New Study Explores Breast Cancer Rates in U.S. Women Under 40

New Study Explores Rising Breast Cancer Rates in U.S. Women Under 40

A new study from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health sheds light on rising breast cancer rates in women under 40. The findings suggest that geographical differences, along with other risk factors, play a significant role in the increasing incidence of early-onset breast cancer.

Geographical Differences in Breast Cancer Rates

The study found that breast cancer incidence in U.S. women under 40 increased by more than 0.50% per year in 21 states. The increase was particularly prominent in the Western U.S. The Northeast had the highest rates of early-onset breast cancer.

“We discovered that breast cancer trends varied greatly by region and state,” said Rebecca Kehm, PhD, assistant professor of Epidemiology at Columbia. “Understanding these differences could improve how we predict risk in younger women.”

State and Regional Trends

The research, which analyzed data from 2001 to 2020, revealed significant differences across states. States like Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Hawaii, and Connecticut had the highest breast cancer rates in younger women. The Southern U.S. showed no significant increase in early-onset breast cancer during this time period.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Breast Cancer Incidence

The study also explored racial and ethnic differences. Non-Hispanic Black women had the highest rates of early-onset breast cancer. Non-Hispanic White women experienced a significant increase in incidence across all regions. Hispanic women had the lowest early-onset rates.

The Role of Other Risk Factors

Researchers pointed out that rising breast cancer rates can’t be explained by genetics alone. Other factors, like alcohol consumption, could also contribute to the increase. Alcohol use varies by state and is influenced by local policies, which may impact breast cancer risk.

The Need for Further Research

Although the causes of the rising incidence are still unclear, the study highlights the importance of looking at different population groups. The research could lead to new ways of identifying women at higher risk for early-onset breast cancer.

“The increasing incidence is alarming,” said Dr. Kehm. “We need to understand all the factors behind this rise.”

This study is one of the first to include data from all 50 states and provide a comprehensive look at age-specific trends. It offers important insights into how location and other factors influence breast cancer risk.

New Atlas of Aging Breast Tissue Sheds Light on Cancer Risk

Aging is a natural part of life, but it also brings certain health risks, including a higher chance of developing age-related diseases like cancer. Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) have made a groundbreaking discovery that could help us understand how aging contributes to breast cancer risk. Their study, published in Nature Aging, unveils a detailed “atlas” of how breast tissue changes as it ages, offering new insights into the molecular and genetic shifts that may lead to cancer.

Aging Breast Tissue: A Double-Edged Sword

Using advanced technologies, the research team studied the changes in breast tissue of young and older mice. They focused on how key cells in the mammary glands — including epithelial, immune, and stromal cells — transform as they age. The results were striking:

Epithelial cells, which line the milk ducts and are the primary source of breast cancer, lose their specialized roles. While these cells become more adaptable over time, they also become more susceptible to turning cancerous.
Stromal cells, which provide structural support, lose their identity and contribute to a chaotic environment within the tissue. This disruption can make it easier for tumors to form and grow.
Immune cells begin to infiltrate the aging tissue but fail to protect against cancer. Instead, they become more likely to cause inflammation and contribute to the growth of tumors.

A Molecular Shift in the “Script” of Aging Cells

One of the key findings of this study is how aging affects the chromatin structure in breast tissue. Chromatin refers to the way DNA is organized inside the cell’s nucleus. As breast tissue ages, the structure of chromatin changes, influencing how genes are activated or silenced. These changes can disrupt crucial processes like cell division, DNA repair, and immune response — all of which play a role in cancer development.

“We’ve discovered that as breast cells age, changes in chromatin structure may be a major factor in regulating gene activity and could contribute to tumor growth,” said Dr. Duygu Ucar, one of the study’s co-senior authors.

A Shared Link to Human Breast Cancer

The researchers didn’t stop with mice. They compared their findings to genetic profiles of human breast cancers and discovered something remarkable: the molecular changes they observed in aging mice closely mirrored the patterns seen in human breast tumors. This suggests that the aging process in breast tissue could play a direct role in increasing cancer risk.

“The fact that we found these overlapping pathways was really exciting,” said Dr. Brittany Angarola, co-first author of the study. “It indicates that shifts in healthy tissue as it ages might create an environment that’s more prone to cancer long before tumors actually form.”

A Tool for Prevention and Early Detection

This new open-access atlas of aging breast tissue offers an invaluable resource for researchers worldwide. By providing a detailed map of how aging affects breast cells, it opens the door to identifying new biomarkers that could help detect cancer early, long before it becomes a threat.

“This study not only deepens our understanding of aging and cancer, but it also paves the way for new approaches to reduce cancer risk in older populations,” said Dr. Olga Anczukόw, co-leader of the research. “It’s an important tool that could one day help prevent and treat breast cancer more effectively.”

As the study shows, aging is not just a time for reflection; it’s also a critical time to focus on health and prevention. Thanks to the work at The Jackson Laboratory, we now have a clearer understanding of how aging changes breast tissue — and how those changes may lead to cancer. This groundbreaking research gives hope for better early detection and preventive strategies in the fight against breast cancer.

Magnetic Fields to Improve Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer: New Study Shows Promising Results

A groundbreaking study from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has shown how magnetic fields can improve chemotherapy in breast cancer treatment. The research team developed a non-invasive method that uses localized magnetic pulses to boost the uptake of doxorubicin (DOX), a common chemotherapy drug, into cancer cells. This approach helps target cancer more precisely, potentially reducing harmful side effects and improving treatment outcomes.

Magnetic Fields to Improve Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer: A Promising New Approach

By applying magnetic fields to tumor sites, the team found that breast cancer cells absorbed more of the drug, while healthy tissues were spared. This means patients may experience fewer side effects, like heart damage and muscle weakness, which are commonly linked with chemotherapy.

This exciting new development could pave the way for more effective, precise cancer treatments that minimize the damage to healthy cells while maximizing the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

How Magnetic Fields Boost Chemotherapy

Doxorubicin is a chemotherapy drug widely used to treat breast cancer. While effective, it can damage healthy cells and cause serious side effects like heart problems. This new method uses brief, targeted pulses of magnetic fields to help doxorubicin focus on cancer cells, making the treatment more precise. The study shows that applying these magnetic pulses increases the drug’s uptake in cancer cells while sparing normal tissues.

Fewer Side Effects, Better Results

The researchers, led by Associate Professor Alfredo Franco-Obregón from NUS, tested the method on human breast cancer cells and healthy muscle cells. They found that cancer cells absorbed much more doxorubicin when exposed to magnetic pulses, while healthy cells were largely unaffected. This targeted approach allowed the researchers to use lower doses of the drug, which could reduce harmful side effects like heart damage and muscle weakness.

What makes this method even more promising is its ability to work at lower drug doses. By using less of the chemotherapy drug, patients may experience fewer side effects while still effectively killing cancer cells.

How It Works: The Role of TRPC1 Channels

The study discovered that the key to this method is a calcium ion channel called TRPC1, which is often found in aggressive cancers like breast cancer. The magnetic fields activate TRPC1, making it easier for doxorubicin to enter cancer cells. By targeting this pathway, researchers can boost the drug’s effectiveness without harming normal cells.

The researchers found that reducing the expression of TRPC1 stopped this effect, while increasing TRPC1 levels led to more doxorubicin entering cancer cells. This finding is crucial, as it could help in developing more targeted therapies for aggressive cancers.

A Game-Changer for Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide. One of the biggest challenges in chemotherapy is the side effects, which can make patients feel very sick and sometimes require them to stop treatment early. With this new magnetic field method, there’s hope for improving treatment outcomes while reducing the toxic effects of chemotherapy.

Assistant Professor Joline Lim, a member of the research team, noted that many patients face severe side effects from chemotherapy, including the risk of drug resistance. This new method could help prevent these issues and improve the overall experience for patients.

What’s Next?

The team’s work shows great promise for improving chemotherapy, but the next step is testing this approach in real patients. By focusing magnetic field exposure specifically on tumors, the researchers aim to further increase the drug’s effect on cancer cells while minimizing side effects.

The researchers are working to patent this technology and bring it into clinical practice. They are also in discussions with potential investors in Southeast Asia and the United States to turn this breakthrough into a real treatment option for patients.

Hope for the Future

This innovative approach to chemotherapy could change the way we treat breast cancer. By improving the drug’s ability to target cancer cells while protecting healthy tissues, it offers new hope for patients who may have struggled with the side effects of chemotherapy in the past. The team is excited to move forward and bring this technology to the bedside to help patients worldwide.

Exciting Breakthrough: Mini-Tumors from Blood Offer New Hope in Stopping Metastatic Breast Cancer

A New Step in Fighting Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer happens when cancer spreads to other parts of the body. It’s often hard to treat. Scientists from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) have found a new way to grow tiny tumors from blood samples. Mini-tumors from blood offer new hope in stopping metastatic breast cancer

Mini-Tumors Grown from Blood Samples

For the first time, researchers were able to grow stable tumor organoids (mini-tumors) directly from the blood of breast cancer patients. These tiny tumors are special because they can be used to study how cancer cells survive and resist treatment.

Until now, researchers couldn’t grow these rare cancer cells in labs. They were only able to grow them in mice. But now, by growing them from blood, scientists can study them directly from patients.

How Cancer Spreads and Resists Treatment

Cancer cells that spread through the blood are rare. These cells are called circulating tumor cells (CTCs). They are the “germ cells” of metastases. CTCs are hard to find in the blood because they hide among billions of normal cells. But some of these cells can grow into new tumors in other organs.

Researchers have found that these CTCs are tough to kill with treatments. They can survive even after therapy and develop resistance to drugs. But by growing mini-tumors from these cells, scientists can study how they survive and resist treatment.

Finding the Key to Stopping Cancer Cells

With these mini-tumors, researchers discovered a new way cancer cells fight back. A protein called NRG1 helps the cells grow and survive. It works with a receptor called HER3. This helps the cancer cells resist treatment. But if researchers block this protein and receptor, they can stop the cells from growing.

Even if the cancer cells find another way to survive, researchers found that blocking a second pathway (FGFR1) also stops the cancer cells. This breakthrough shows that by targeting both pathways, we could stop the cancer cells from growing and even kill them.

What This Means for Breast Cancer Treatment

This research is a big step forward. It means scientists can now test how cancer cells in a patient’s blood respond to treatment without needing to take tissue from tumors. The mini-tumors grown from blood samples could help doctors find the best treatments for each patient. This approach might help stop cancer from spreading or becoming resistant to treatments.

What’s Next?

Before doctors can use this new method to treat patients, it will need to be tested in clinical trials. But this research could one day lead to treatments that stop metastatic breast cancer at its source and prevent it from spreading.

New AI-Powered Blood Test for Early Breast Cancer Detection Revolutionizes Diagnosis

A groundbreaking AI-powered blood test for early breast cancer detection is offering new hope for patients and doctors alike. Developed by researchers at the University of Edinburgh, this innovative test can detect the earliest signs of breast cancer, potentially before traditional methods can identify the disease.

A Breakthrough in Early Cancer Detection

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed an AI-powered blood test to detect early signs of breast cancer. The test combines laser analysis with machine learning to spot cancer at Stage 1a, the earliest phase.

How the New Test Works

Current detection methods, like mammograms and biopsies, often miss early signs of breast cancer. This new test, however, can detect subtle changes in the bloodstream that occur when cancer first develops.

The test works by shining a laser into blood plasma. The laser causes tiny chemical changes in the blood, which are analyzed by a spectrometer. AI then interprets the data to identify early cancer markers.

Impressive Results from Initial Study

In a pilot study, the new test detected breast cancer with 98% accuracy. The study involved 12 breast cancer patients and 12 healthy controls. The test also identified four major breast cancer subtypes with over 90% accuracy, allowing for more personalized treatment.

Impact on Treatment Success

Early detection is key to successful cancer treatment. The AI-powered test could help doctors identify breast cancer at its earliest stages, greatly improving the chances of successful treatment. According to Dr. Andy Downes, the lead researcher, early diagnosis can save lives.

Future Potential: A Multi-Cancer Screening Tool

Although the test currently focuses on breast cancer, it has the potential to detect other cancers as well. Researchers plan to expand the study to include more participants and test additional cancer types. The goal is to create a universal cancer screening tool.

Next Steps for Widespread Use

The team is working to refine the technology and gather more data. They hope to eventually offer this AI-powered blood test as a routine screening tool in medical facilities worldwide. With further development, it could revolutionize early cancer detection.