Session: Posters:

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer type lacking the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) genes. Therefore, it renders hormonal therapy and HER2-based treatment ineffective. Epidemiological studies suggest that TNBC is more common in younger women, primarily of African-American and Hispanic descent. TNBC is characterized by higher metastatic and reoccurrence rates, as approximately 28% of TNBC patients suffer from brain metastases, leading to decreased survival rates compared to other breast cancer types. At the same time, TNBC shows a strong response to chemotherapy, and the search for novel anticancer agents is vital.

Recently, we identified a novel class of anticancer agents with cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231, the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier in vitro and in vivo, optimized toxicological profile, and the ability to reduce tumor growth in vivo by >95%. We synthesized and analyzed a of more than 40 compounds to elucidate the structural requirements for the observed anticancer activity. In addition, we identified molecular targets for these compounds using standard immunoblotting techniques. Here, we report the current state of structure-activity relationship studies for this class of compounds and proposed mechanisms of action associated with their anticancer activity.

Dr Paul Trippier

University of Nebraska Medical Center

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