Work

Novel aptamer-based strategies for addressing aggressive and heterogeneous triple-negative breast cancer

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive and heterogeneous subtype of breast cancer associated with poor prognosis, limited therapeutic options, and high recurrence rates. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of an AptaBreast panel (AB-panel) previously identified for its ability to recognize TNBC cells specifically. Functional assays were performed in various TNBC cell lines representing distinct intrinsic subtypes, as well as in non-tumoral cells (MCF10A). Results: Functional assays revealed that the aptamers effectively reduced tumor cell viability, proliferation, migration and colony formation in various TNBC cell lines. Importantly, the combined treatment with all five aptamers resulted in an enhanced overall antitumor effect. Notably, the aptamers demonstrated selective action on tumor cells without significant cytotoxicity to non-tumoral cells (MCF10A). Discussion: The observed effects support the potential of these aptamers as therapeutic candidates for TNBC and warrant further investigation into their molecular targets and mechanisms of action. Collectively, our findings highlight their potential across different TNBC cellular models, while further studies are needed to assess their therapeutic efficacy, safety, and applicability in more complex models. These results provide a basis for future preclinical studies aimed at further evaluating their potential in TNBC.

Source: Frontiers in Oncology

DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2026.1943528