Breast cancer patients undergoing the transition from pre-malignant ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) face worse prognosis.

IGFBP2 secretion by mammary adipocytes limits breast cancer invasion
Go to source). "Adipocytes generally get a bad rap for promoting cancer progression, but this study demonstrates that healthy breast fat can play a protective role in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and cancer containment," explained Dr. Emilia Peuhu, a key collaborator in the study. “It's time to re-evaluate our assumptions and recognize the important role of these unsung heroes.”
‘Adipocytes, commonly known as healthy fat cells, in the breast release a powerful factor called IGFBP2, which serves as a protective barrier, impeding the progression of invasive breast cancer. #breastcancertreatment #breastcancer’

The research team's work focuses on identifying factors that impede this invasive progression, with IGFBP2 emerging as a key factor secreted by healthy adipocytes. 




In addition to the loss of adipocytes that occurs as women age, this study found that older women had reduced expression of IGFBP2, suggesting that the anti-cancer activities of breast adipocytes might also decrease with age.
IGFBP2: A Potential Link Between Age, Breast Density, and Breast Cancer Risk
InFLAMES group leader, Professor Johanna Ivaska, the principle investigator on the project, expressed their astonishment at the findings, highlighting that, "increasing age and higher breast density, with fewer adipocytes, are two well established risk factors for the development of breast cancer. Our research provides a possible explanation for this increased risk, as we found that IGFBP2 levels are also reduced in older individuals and that healthy breast adipocytes can secrete factors, such as IGFBP2, to inhibit tumour progression.”The implications of this discovery extend to the understanding of mammary density and its connection with poorer prognosis. Dr. James Conway, the lead researcher of the team, added, "While restoring IGFBP2 into the mammary environment might not be possible, the use of antibody-based inhibitors of IGF-II could help to contain non-invasive breast lesions by acting in a similar fashion to IGFBP2 itself, which we have already observed in our model systems.”
The team is now exploring the therapeutic avenues that have opened up as a result of these recent findings.
Reference:
- IGFBP2 secretion by mammary adipocytes limits breast cancer invasion - (https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adg1840)