Work

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition plasticity in breast cancer: regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Metastatic dissemination and therapeutic failure, the major determinants of breast cancer mortality, are fundamentally driven by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its phenotypic plasticity. This review comprehensively interrogates the regulatory logic of EMT plasticity in breast cancer, decoding the intricate interplay among transcription factor cascades, epigenetic landscapes, non-coding RNA circuits, and microenvironmental cues that collectively sustain tumor cell adaptability. We further delineate the translational frontier, summarizing recent advances in pharmacologically targeting EMT core regulators and discussing the promise and pitfalls of plasticity-modulating therapeutic paradigms. Ultimately, by integrating evolving knowledge from basic and translational research, we present a cohesive framework aimed at bridging mechanistic understanding with clinical decision-making, with the goal of refining precision therapy for breast cancer patients.

Source: Frontiers in Oncology

DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2026.1959152

Authors: Chunlei Wang, Jie Cao, Bo Qin

Institutions: Shaoxing University, Shaoxing City Women and Children Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Cancer Cells and Metastasis

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801