Breast Cancer: A Clinical Study to Understand Tumor Origins

You are leading the DP Metabreast study, what is it?

We observe in the blood of patients with various cancers, circulating cells that express both tumor and immune markers. We speak of double positive (DP) cells. Some scientific data also indicate that these cells may be at the root of disease progression and therefore have a poor prognosis. Through the DP MetaBreast clinical study, we will specifically observe these cells in breast cancer patients to try to demonstrate whether they actually originate from tumors. By characterizing them we can then use them as biomarkers to identify new therapeutic targets.

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How will this study be done?

This single-center study will take place only at IUCT Oncopole and will start in spring 2024. It will include sixty patients with metastatic breast cancer. In fact, it has been observed that the more advanced the metastatic disease, the more cells. The protocol will be simple and minimally invasive, consisting of a single blood test, with no impact on normal treatment or follow-up. We will then compare each patient, already stored tumor biopsies, and these circulating cells to verify the presence of common markers.

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Did you receive funding from the Toulouse Cancer Health Foundation for this study described as innovative?

In fact, we have received funding of 118,300 euros that will help us with the laboratory component. The novelty of our work is that few teams in the world are interested in these cells, especially in patients with breast cancer. In addition, we will work in partnership with Dr. Frédéric Chibon of the Toulouse Cancer Research Center (CRCT) and extend the research to other cancers.