Molecular Biomarkers Pave Way for New Tests to Diagnose and Predict Breast Cancer

Despite playing essential roles in tissue development and immune protection, the contribution of proteoglycans in cancer remains poorly understood. Some proteoglycans appear to shield the body from cancer, while others can accelerate tumor growth. This lack of clarity presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, particularly in breast cancer. Now, researchers have uncovered specific patterns of proteoglycan expression linked to breast cancer, offering a potential pathway to more accurate diagnostics and targeted treatments.

The research was conducted by scientists at Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia, PA, USA), who sought to explore the role of proteoglycans in breast cancer development and progression. By analyzing genetic data from over 1,000 tumor tissue samples, the team aimed to better understand how these large biomolecules behave in malignancies. Using a machine learning algorithm, the team identified two distinct proteoglycan expression profiles in tumor tissues. One group of proteoglycans was found at elevated levels in tumors, while the other was significantly reduced. Importantly, these patterns correlated with disease severity—proteoglycans that promote cell proliferation were linked to more aggressive tumors, whereas those that suppress cell growth were associated with less malignant tumors.

Image: A family of molecules could help diagnose and treat breast cancer (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

The findings, published in Proteoglycan Research, open the door to practical applications in both diagnostics and treatment. The researchers suggest that these proteoglycan patterns could be used to develop more precise diagnostic tests and prognostic tools, enabling physicians to tailor treatment strategies more effectively based on tumor aggressiveness. Looking ahead, the team plans to investigate whether these proteoglycan biomarkers are relevant in other cancers, such as those affecting the skin, pancreas, and colon. Additionally, early-stage efforts are underway to develop an injectable proteoglycan-based therapy designed to prevent cancer metastasis—potentially marking a major step forward in cancer care.

“It’s the first comprehensive study on proteoglycans in breast cancer,” said Thomas Jefferson University researcher Renato Iozzo, MD, who led the research. “It is absolutely fundamental to have better biomarkers for breast cancer. This is really the beginning.”

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