Dysfunction of the tumor suppressor p53, commonly resulting from MDM2 overexpression or gene mutations, plays a key role in breast cancer progression. While the bioactive compound piperine has been shown to enhance p53 activity, its clinical utility is limited by poor bioavailability, potential toxicity and the risk of adverse drug interactions.

Serac Imaging Systems Ltd. reported encouraging data from two clinical trials demonstrating the effectiveness of its Seracam portable hybrid gamma-optical camera as a point-of-care imaging solution. The studies show the camera’s value in nuclear medicine, particularly for small organ imaging and image-guided surgery, while also revealing new potential applications beyond those initially expected.

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and collaborators have developed a new method to label and monitor dormant breast cancer cells over time, shedding light on how these cells survive chemotherapy and potentially trigger metastatic relapse in the lung. Breast cancer frequently recurs in distant metastatic sites, even after the primary tumor has fully regressed following initial therapy.

One of the functions of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMS) is to protect the tumor against the immune system, inhibiting T-cell engagement and reducing the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors. Polyamidoamine hydroxyl dendrimers (HDs) target TAM without the need of a targeting ligand and are retained by TAMs for up to 1 month allowing radiation to deposit in the tumor.

Kymera Therapeutics Inc. found itself juggling partnerships by bringing one on board while going to the development bench in another. Kymera and Gilead Sciences Inc. will collaborate on a molecular glue degrader program that targets cyclin-dependent kinase 2 in solid tumors, including breast cancer.