Researchers at QIMR Berghofer have uncovered a novel RNA molecule with the potential to transform the treatment of hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer, the most common form of the disease. The discovery could pave the way for a new RNA-based therapy for patients whose cancer no longer responds to existing treatments.
RNA molecules, which act as working copies of DNA, have increasingly been recognized for their crucial role in regulating biological processes. Advances in RNA research have spurred the development of RNA-based therapies, offering a promising frontier in cancer treatment.
Seven Years of Research Yields a Breakthrough
After a seven-year study, Professors Stacey Edwards and Juliet French, who focus on understanding the mechanisms of DNA and RNA in cancer, identified a previously unknown long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) molecule that shows strong protective effects against HR+ breast cancer. Their findings were published in Molecular Cancer.
Professor French explained that the molecule attacks cancer cells through a dual mechanism: “When we introduce the RNA molecule into our preclinical models, it specifically kills only hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells unharmed,” she said. “It induces cancer cell death from within the tumor and simultaneously engages a receptor that activates the immune system to recognize and destroy the cancer cells.”
A Personal Mission Drives the Research
Professor Edwards, who has dedicated her career to breast cancer research after losing her mother to the disease at a young age, described the discovery as a deeply personal achievement. “We knew we had something exciting, but there were many dead ends. Then, one day in the lab, we saw the cancer cells completely destroyed while healthy cells remained intact. It was a true eureka moment,” she said.
Reflecting on her personal journey, Edwards said, “My mum developed breast cancer when she was just 34, and I was only five. Watching her undergo harsh treatments inspired me to pursue research in this field. Now, being part of a team that may develop a therapy capable of saving lives is incredibly meaningful.”
Addressing a Critical Need in Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women globally, with approximately 70% of cases classified as HR+. While hormone-blocking therapies have improved survival rates, up to a third of patients develop resistance, allowing their cancer to return and spread. HR+ breast cancers are often described as “cold cancers” because they evade the immune system, rendering conventional immunotherapies less effective.
The new RNA therapy could potentially be used alone or in combination with existing immunotherapies, enhancing their effectiveness. The research team is also developing lipid nanoparticles to deliver the RNA directly into cancer cells, a strategy that mirrors the rapid development of RNA-based COVID-19 vaccines.
Unlocking the Potential of RNA
The newly discovered molecule is a type of long noncoding RNA, a class once dismissed as “junk DNA.” Noncoding RNAs make up roughly 98% of the human genome and play critical roles in regulating gene expression and other cellular functions. This breakthrough highlights the untapped potential of noncoding RNAs in the fight against cancer.
As the team continues to explore the therapy’s clinical applications, this discovery represents a major step forward in developing precise, immune-activating treatments for HR+ breast cancer, offering hope to thousands of women worldwide.
