This research is focused on understanding the biology of breast cancer metastasis. Approximately a quarter of all patients diagnosed with breast cancer succumb to metastatic disease, which is still largely incurable. Markers specific for cancer cell dissemination and therapeutic targets are lacking.

JALBCA's team has developed two thematically linked markers filling this gap: Tumor Microenvironment of Metastasis (TMEM) Doorway Score and TMEM Doorway Activity-MRI (TDAM) Score. The former quantifies portals for cancer cell intravasation, showing prognostic value for metastatic risk in ER+/HER2-breast cancer. TMEM doorway score revealed racial disparity in cancer cells dissemination. The latter markers offer an MRI-based assessment of TMEM doorway activity essential for metastatic dissemination and may be used for treatment optimization. We also identified potential therapeutic targets to block TMEM doorway activity, curtailing progression of metastasis.

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