Postpartum breast cancer: Why is it more at risk for metastases?

A clinical study by the Institut Pasteur shows the double face of cellular sensitivities after childbirth: it is necessary for the regeneration of breast tissue, which promotes the proliferation of tumor cells at a particularly important time.

Postpartum breast cancer: why is the risk of metastasis increased?

by Destination Sante (in partnership with La Provence)

Puna: Health Destination

A preclinical study from the Institut Pasteur reveals a double face of cellular aging after birth: essential for the regeneration of breast tissue, it can also promote the spread of tumor cells during this critical period.

Postpartum breast cancers are diagnosed 5 to 10 years after birth.These types of cancer have a higher risk of metastasis.In addition, patient survival is lower than in the case of breast cancers diagnosed in women who have never been pregnant or whose tumor appeared during pregnancy.In addition, the risks increase with the age of the mother.A team from the Pasteur Institute wanted to understand the mechanisms involved in the formation of these tumors at this critical moment for women.

Why is there a greater risk of breast cancer in the years after pregnancy?

After pregnancy and breastfeeding, the mammary gland goes through a long process to return to its initial state.This process is called postpartum involution."This involves the elimination of millions of alveolar epithelial cells, the recruitment of immune cells, the remodeling of the extracellular matrix and the repopulation by fat cells", specifies the Pasteur Institute in a press release.During this period, involution inflammation occurs, which significantly increases the risk of breast cancer.

Cellular plasticity at the Pasteur Institute, led by Han Li, studied the invasion of mammary tumors in age-related pathogens and observed the presence of cellular senescence.Most of them were milk-producing cells.Scientists used a special method to destroy immature cells in mice.After effective pharmacological treatment, scientists observed that they played a crucial role in the transformation process."Indeed, in the absence of senescence, tissue regeneration and apoptosis are delayed," Inserm reported.

Senescence, an important player in the complete renewal of cells

The work, published on Wednesday, February 18, in the journal Nature Aging, also showed that these same cells are able to actively recruit immune cells called macrophages thanks to the molecules they secrete.Therefore, they are the ones who reshape the microenvironment.A remarkable reconstruction of permanent damage," points out the first author of the study Aurelie Chiche, a researcher of cellular plasticity in age-related physiology.

Senescence promotes the proliferation of tumor cells

If senescence is beneficial for the regeneration of breast tissue, it may also allow the formation of tumors.In fact, "scientists have shown that senescent cells improve the plasticity of tumor cells with the substances they release. These cells easily adapt to changes in their environment, which allows them to survive and spread throughout the body," says the Pasteur Institute.Inserm explained about these senescent cells in 2020: "these are cells that cannot divide, that have lost their function, but can cause inflammation and the production of oxidized toxic residues in the body".

In mice with breast cancer, treatment to remove senescent cells delayed the appearance of tumors and reduced the formation of metastases."Our results suggest that an intervention aimed at modifying senescent cells during the invasion of the mammary gland can reduce the risk of breast cancer after childbirth," concluded Han Li, the lead author of the study.Through future research on human tissue, scientists can better understand these methods to use them to prevent breast cancer after birth.I hope you understand.

Source: Pasteur Institute

Your opinion is important to us.Join the community by providing feedback about postpartum breast cancer. Why is it more at risk of metastasis?

Roller Hockey - Men N1: Jokers keep hope alive at the end of a thriller

Sailing - French Championships: Bernas-Mian hiding in 49er

Soccer - National 2: FC Rousset collapses after the break in Saint-Raphaël

Handball - Women's D1: Plan-de-Cux is struggling with six consecutive defeats

Football - National 2: two-faced Istres attracts Cannes

2026 Olympics: Océane Michelon and Julia Simon deliver big final with double gold and silver at opening meet

"How many Ibrahim Alis are there before I wake up?": Memorial site for the death of a young man in Marseille

The 82nd commemoration of the death of Missa Manouchian takes on another dimension

Any information?Certificate?