New Delhi, Sept 2, 2025| SKY LINK TIMES
A breakthrough discovery in the fight against triple-negative breast cancer
Indian researchers have designed a new nitro-substituted organoselenium compound that shows promising results in tackling triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)—one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant forms of the disease.
The Research Team
The study was jointly conducted by Dr. Asis Bala from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and Dr. Krishna P. Bhabak from IIT Guwahati.
The compound, known as 4-nitro-substituted benzylic diselenide (diselenide 7), was synthesized through a nucleophilic substitution reaction of benzylic halides with selenium derivatives under controlled conditions.
Promising Laboratory Results
Laboratory experiments revealed that the compound significantly reduced tumor volume, angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), and metastasis in Swiss albino mice with breast adenocarcinoma. Treated mice also showed a longer lifespan, indicating its strong therapeutic potential.
How It Works
The compound works by targeting multiple survival pathways of cancer cells simultaneously:
- Blocks Akt/mTOR and ERK pathways – critical for tumor growth and proliferation.
- Generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) – damaging cancer cell DNA.
- Reduces inflammation – weakening the cancer-supporting environment.
- Triggers cell death – leading to reduced invasiveness of cancer cells.
By modulating these pathways, the compound acts as a multitargeting anticancer agent, attacking cancer from different angles and reducing the chances of drug resistance.
Significance for Cancer Treatment
Triple-negative breast cancer is particularly difficult to treat because it does not respond to hormonal therapies or drugs that target HER2 receptors. Current treatment options are limited to chemotherapy, which often has severe side effects.
The development of nitro-substituted organoselenium compounds opens a new frontier in designing effective, targeted, and safer therapies for aggressive breast cancers.
Looking Ahead
While the findings are highly encouraging, the researchers emphasized that further preclinical and clinical studies are needed before the compound can move into human trials. If successful, this could represent a major advancement in breast cancer treatment, offering hope to thousands of patients worldwide.
Reference: Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India; Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST); IIT Guwahati.
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