In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Cancer Discovery, researchers have made a significant discovery in the fight against breast cancer. The study focused on the role of an enzyme called G9a and its potential to target "hibernating" tumor cells, offering new hope for patients with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer.

Breast cancer relapse has been a major challenge in the medical field, as many patients experience a return of the disease years after initial treatment. Scientists have long sought to understand why certain cells lay dormant instead of dying off, leading to a relapse. This study aimed to shed light on this phenomenon and find ways to prevent it.

The research team found that hormone therapies, commonly used to prevent breast cancer recurrence, can trigger changes in some cells. These changes cause the cells to enter a dormant state, remaining inactive for extended periods until they eventually awaken, causing a relapse.

Dr. Luca Magnani, a professor of epigenetic plasticity at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, explained, "After surgery to remove primary estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, patients are given hormone therapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. However, this approach does not work for all patients, as breast cancer can return years or even decades later. We sought to understand this mechanism better to develop ways to prevent relapse and provide patients with peace of mind."

The study found a potential solution by inhibiting the G9a enzyme, which prevented cancer cells from becoming dormant and effectively killed those that were already hibernating. This discovery opens up new avenues for innovative treatments that can prevent the recurrence of breast cancer.

Dr. Tayyaba Jiwani, the science engagement manager at Cancer Research UK, emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, "Although in the early stages, the results reveal potential new targets for the development of innovative treatments that can prevent breast cancer from coming back."

Breast cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal breast cells, which form tumours. If left untreated, these tumours can spread throughout the body and become life-threatening. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 670,000 of them lost their lives to the disease.

The discovery of G9a's role in preventing relapse and targeting dormant breast cancer cells brings renewed hope for patients with ER+ breast cancer. With further research and development, this breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize breast cancer treatment and improve outcomes for thousands of patients worldwide.