"Researchers from The University of Queensland have identified a treatment target for aggressive forms of breast cancer.
Professor George Muscat, from UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) said the gene RORγ was proving a promising target for breast cancer treatment in laboratory tests of experimental drugs.
"We previously identified that RORγ is weakly expressed in oestrogen receptor negative cancers, but its expression is elevated in patients who survive without their cancer spreading," he said.
"We now have data showing very low expression of RORγ in the aggressive breast cancers known as basal-like and advanced histological grade 3 breast cancers, which are more difficult to treat, with decreased chances of survival."
Professor Muscat said a patient with increased expression and activity of RORγ had a better chance of surviving their cancer.
"We now know that RORγ is crucial for patient survival because it suppresses the genetic pathways that control carcinogenesis, cell movement and invasion and allow tumours to spread," he said.
"RORγ also controls cell growth and promotes DNA repair, which removes the genetic damage that leads to cancer."
Professor Muscat said patients with these aggressive and advanced types of breast cancer could be given a drug to boost RORγ activity..."
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