China Oncology ›› 2025, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (2): 143-153.doi: 10.19401/j.cnki.1007-3639.2025.02.001

• Specialist's Commentary • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Significant fundamental translational research on breast cancer in China: progress and prospects

LU Yufeng(), WANG Han, XIE Yifan, JIANG Yizhou, SHAO Zhimin()   

  1. Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center/Fudan University Breast Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
  • Received:2024-12-30 Revised:2025-01-24 Online:2025-02-28 Published:2025-03-19
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China(U24A20736);National Natural Science Foundation of China(82425044)

Abstract:

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignant tumor that poses a threat to women's health in China, with incidence and mortality rates persistently increasing. Given this critical situation, there is an urgent need to optimize therapeutic options through basic translational research to address current treatment challenges. This article provided a comprehensive overview of the significant advancements in fundamental translational breast cancer research in China over the past five years, aiming to provide a scientific basis and new directions for precision treatment of breast cancer. This research encompasses a range of subjects, including molecular typing, biomarker identification, exploration of drug resistance mechanisms, optimization of precision treatment strategies, and identification of new targets in breast cancer. In the domain of molecular typing, researchers have revealed substantial disparities in treatment responses among distinct subtypes of breast cancer through in-depth analysis. This has led to the proposal of specific therapeutic strategies for each subtype, thereby establishing a robust theoretical foundation for individualized treatment approaches. The identification of biomarkers plays a pivotal role in selecting appropriate treatment options for patients. Recent research advancements have demonstrated the potential of liquid biopsy and proteomics technologies in uncovering promising biomarkers, offering novel prospects for the early diagnosis and prognostic assessment of breast cancer. In the investigation of resistance mechanisms, researchers have elucidated the molecular underpinnings of resistance to endocrine therapy and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapy and proposed potential strategies to overcome resistance. This has paved the way for novel approaches to enhance therapeutic efficacy. In the context of immunotherapy and targeted therapies, the discernment of novel targets and biomarkers has facilitated novel perspectives on breast cancer treatment. Based on advanced comprehension of tumor heterogeneity, researchers constantly optimize precision treatment strategies through multiomics analysis, thus offering patients with breast cancer enhanced personalized treatment options. Concurrently, the implementation of novel technologies has been instrumental in facilitating the advancement of precision treatment for breast cancer. For instance, the application of artificial intelligence technology has demonstrated considerable potential in the early screening, diagnosis, efficacy assessment and prognosis prediction of breast cancer. Conversely, the advent of innovative drug delivery systems facilitated by nanotechnology has led to enhanced targeting and efficacy of pharmaceutical agents. Furthermore, research into hydrogel patch technology and tumor vaccines has yielded novel strategies for the treatment of breast cancer. Overall, China has accomplished remarkable achievements in the field of basic translational research on breast cancer. These findings not only enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer, but also provide new directions and hope for the development of future therapeutic strategies. With the advancement of multidisciplinary integration and the application of new emerging technologies, precision therapy is expected to provide more benefits to breast cancer patients.

Key words: Breast cancer, Fundamental translational research, Drug resistance mechanisms, Precision therapy, Biomarkers, Immunotherapy

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