A groundbreaking study from Chinese medical researchers has revealed a previously unknown mechanism behind treatment resistance in aggressive breast cancer, potentially paving the way for rapid clinical application of existing migraine medication to improve outcomes.
The research, conducted jointly by Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and the Institute for Translational Brain Research, identified sensory nerves within tumors as primary instigators of immunotherapy resistance in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. Published in the prestigious journal Cell, the findings demonstrate how these nerves function as biological ‘commanders’ that actively suppress the body’s immune response against cancerous growths.
Triple-negative breast cancer represents approximately 20% of all breast cancer diagnoses and is characterized by its aggressive nature and tendency to metastasize within five years. While immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment modality that harnesses the body’s natural defenses, many TNBC patients either fail to respond initially or rapidly develop resistance.
The research team adopted an innovative approach by examining the tumor microenvironment rather than focusing exclusively on cancer cells themselves. Through comprehensive analysis of 360 clinical samples, they discovered that tumors with significant sensory nerve infiltration—the same nerves responsible for transmitting touch and pain sensations—correlated with the most unfavorable patient outcomes.
According to Dr. Shao Zhimin, lead researcher and director of general surgery at the cancer center, these sensory nerves create an immunosuppressive barrier preventing immune cells from penetrating the tumor’s core regions. The study mechanism reveals that cancer cells communicate with these nerves, triggering nearby cells to produce dense collagen formations that physically block therapeutic agents from reaching their targets.
In a compelling translational application, researchers administered rimegepant—an already approved migraine medication—to animal models. The results demonstrated that blocking nerve signals not only decelerated cancer progression but significantly enhanced immunotherapy effectiveness. Since rimegepant has established safety profiles and regulatory approval, researchers anticipate a relatively short timeline for clinical adaptation in cancer treatment protocols.
Dr. Jiang Yizhou, co-lead researcher, emphasized that this discovery underscores the critical interconnection between the nervous and immune systems in oncology. The study advocates for integrated therapeutic approaches that address both biological systems simultaneously, potentially revolutionizing treatment strategies for resistant cancers beyond breast oncology.