Medical Breakthrough Could Halt Spread of Breast Cancer

Teresa Neumann : Feb 28, 2011
Staff - The Daily Mail

"The results could offer new approaches to tackle the spread of cancer." -Dr Julie Sharp

The Daily Mail reports that scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research have discovered how an enzyme?lysyl oxidase-like 2, or LOXL2?is responsible for breast cancer tumors spreading to other organs in the body. The breakthrough, it notes, could lead to new treatments being developed to stop the disease at an earlier stage.

Lead researcher, Dr. Janine Erler said, "Our study shows that inhibiting the action of LOXL2 can significantly reduce the spread of breast cancer, suggesting that drugs which block this enzyme may be effective in preventing patients' cancer from spreading."

Further research is needed, but Arlene Wilkie, director of research and policy at Breast Cancer Campaign, said: "Dr. Erler's results are very exciting as, although currently we can treat breast cancer that has spread, we cannot cure it."