Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. It is the most common cancer among women worldwide and can sometimes occur in men. Early detection and treatment significantly improve outcomes. Treatment typically includes a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted biological therapies depending on the cancer subtype and stage. Preventive measures include lifestyle changes, regular screenings such as mammograms, and for high-risk individuals, medications or preventive surgery may be recommended.
 
A newly designed nitro-substituted organoselenium compound, called 4-nitro-substituted benzylic diselenide 7, has been synthesized and found to reduce the invasiveness of aggressive triple-negative breast cancer cells by modulating multiple signaling pathways. This research was led by Dr. Asis Bala from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) and Dr. Krishna P. Bhabak from IIT Guwahati.
 
The compound was synthesized via nucleophilic substitution of benzylic halides with Na₂Se₂ and NaHSe, which were obtained by reducing elemental selenium with sodium borohydride under an inert atmosphere. In studies on Swiss albino mice with breast adenocarcinoma, the compound significantly decreased tumor volume, reduced angiogenesis and metastasis, and extended the animals' lifespan.
 
The anticancer effect of this compound works by targeting multiple survival mechanisms in cancer cells. It blocks the Akt/mTOR and ERK signaling pathways, which are crucial for cancer cell growth and uncontrolled proliferation. Additionally, it generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduces inflammation, which damages the DNA of cancer cells, leading to cell death.
 
This study highlights the potential of nitro-substituted organoselenium compounds as multitargeting anticancer agents, supporting their development for effective breast cancer treatment.
 
Source : PIB

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