Assessing Breast Cancer’s New Hope: The Promise of Low-Cost, Targeted Therapy

Few diseases command as much global attention as breast cancer. Staggeringly, it’s currently the most common cancer diagnosis worldwide, and its impact here in Argentina is just as profound. Just in 2020 alone, over 22,000 women received the news that would forever change their lives—a painful record highlighting the urgent need for more effective treatments.

Fortunately, a valiant effort is underway to combat this disease on multiple fronts. Alongside increased awareness campaigns and improved diagnostics, Argentine scientists are making notable strides in the area of new drug development. The Center for Inorganic Chemistry (CEQUINOR), a collaboration between CONICET, UNLP, and CICPBA, is emerging as a beacon of hope.

There, a dedicated team led by CONICET researcher Ignacio León has ventured into the development of groundbreaking metallodrugs, specifically for

triple-negative breast cancer—the most aggressive and difficult to treat subtype, representing 15 to 20 percent of all breast cancer cases.

“We focus on metallodrugs– drugs based on metals,

essentially a novel strategy,” explains León. “Our goal is to develop new therapeutic options because the drugs currently used,” such as anthracyclines, taxanes, and platinum derivatives, are often highly toxic and come with significant side effects for patients.

Recent breakthroughs in his laboratory include a promising new candidate based on copper. “It’s not only effective but remarkably inexpensive to produce,”

says León, highlighting the potential for wider accessibility and affordability in a field where treatment can be financially crippling for many, especially in resource-constrained settings. ThisaccessToken;őrted to the seco

The team at CEQUINOR, looking beyond mere efficacy, is focusing on leveraging nanotechnology for even more precise and targeted therapy. “By functionalizing our

metallodrugs with nanoparticles, we aim to enhance their effectiveness while minimizing potential side effects,” León clarifies. This innovative approach allows for direct targeting of

the tumor cells, reducing collateral damage to healthy tissues, and improving patient

treatment outcomes.

Recognized for their commitment to innovation manganese Technological advancements,

Léon and his team’s research

has not gone unnoticed. Recently, two scientific publications, one primarily led by the Argentinian team and another in collaboration with the University of Santiago

in Chile, were highlighted by the prestigious Royal Society of

Chemistry as among those most relevant to the field of chemistry in Latin America over the last three years.

“The first focuses on a newly designed compound called a hydrazone and a thorough exploration of its activity against breast cancer. We have already demonstrated its effectiveness in cellular models,” explains León, adding, “The second project, a collaborative effort with the University of Santiago. We are focused on understanding how one of

these compounds attacks the tumor cell and ultimately causes its destruction.”

Facing Ongoing Challenges

Despite these remarkable advances, the lack of sustained funding for scientific research in Argentina remains a significant barrier.

“We have several promising studies

currently on hold due to challenging financial constraints.” León speaks openly about the

crippling impact this lack of support has on potential breakthroughs. “It’s disheartening to see

progress stall due to insufficient resources

This recognition is a powerful motivator

It reminds us of the importance not only of science, but also of committing

to the advancement of public education,” León

How does incorporating nanotechnology⁤ into metallodrug delivery enhance the treatment?

## Interview: A New Hope in the Fight Against Triple-Negative Breast ​Cancer

**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dr.‍ León. Thank you for joining us ⁤today to discuss your groundbreaking work at CEQUINOR.

**Dr. León:** It’s a pleasure to⁣ be here.

**Interviewer:** Triple-negative breast ⁣cancer is a⁤ particularly aggressive⁤ form of the​ disease. ‌Could you explain why your team chose to focus on this ‍specific⁤ subtype?

**Dr. ⁢León:** You’re right, triple-negative ⁤breast cancer is incredibly challenging ‌to ⁣treat. Current therapies, like anthracyclines, taxanes, and platinum derivatives, often have severe‌ side effects.‌ We believed a new⁢ approach was ⁢desperately needed.

**Interviewer:** ⁢ And‌ that approach involves metallodrugs?

**Dr. León:** ‌Exactly. We are developing drugs based on metals, a ⁤relatively‌ novel strategy.⁤ Our⁢ recent ⁤breakthrough involves a‌ promising copper-based candidate.

**Interviewer:** What makes this new drug so exciting?

**Dr. León:** Not only has‌ it shown great efficacy ‍against triple-negative breast cancer cells, but⁣ it’s also remarkably affordable‌ to ⁤produce. This could‍ mean greater access​ to treatment, especially in resource-limited settings.

**Interviewer:** Usability and affordability are crucial. But your team isn’t stopping there.

**Dr. León:** Absolutely. We are taking⁣ our research⁤ a step further by incorporating nanotechnology. By attaching our metallodrugs to‍ nanoparticles, we can achieve even more precise and targeted therapy, hopefully reducing side‍ effects⁣ even​ further. [[1](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168365920303771)]mentions several advantages⁤ of nanotechnology in ​cancer treatment, including⁢ site-specific​ targeting.

**Interviewer:** This is truly groundbreaking work, Dr. León.​ What are the next ‍steps for your team?

**Dr. León:** We are ‍continuing to refine our⁤ metallodrugs and their delivery systems. ‍ We are hopeful⁢ that clinical trials ⁣will begin soon, bringing us closer to‌ making this potentially life-saving treatment a reality.

**Interviewer:** Thank ‌you for sharing⁣ your insights ​with us today, ⁤Dr. León. We ‌wish you and your team continued success ‌in ​this‍ important endeavor.

**Dr.⁤ León:** ⁤Thank ​you.