Will blocking proteins that respond to progesterone help stop breast cancer?

Scientists have now discovered that blocking certain proteins that respond to the hormone progesterone may prevent breast cancer in those who carry high-risk genes. These proteins known as epigenetic proteins cause mammary gland stem cell numbers to expand when exposed to progesterone. Thanks to their research there is now a step ahead in the development of "chemoprevention" for those at high risk for breast cancer.


Breast cancer occurs when there is an abnormal growth of cells in the mammary glands. Although women are at a higher risk of breast cancer, men can develop it as well since they too possess breast tissues. During menstruation and pregnancy, a surge in progesterone levels spurs an increase in basal and luminal stem cells, resulting in expansion of the mammary glands.


"Drugs that inhibit these epigenetic regulatory proteins might suppress the proliferation of stem and progenitor cells in response to progesterone," a lead researcher said. He further added that although they have now identified the underlying cause of the cancer, they still lack the ability to prevent it. Maybe in time, they may develop the resources to do so. Stay tuned for more updates.