Doxycycline as a Potential Treatment for Breast Cancer: A Review of Preclinical Studies - part 1

 

 Breast cancer is a leading cause of death among women worldwide. While there are currently several treatment options available, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, they can have significant side effects and may not always be effective in treating all types of breast cancer. Therefore, there is a need for new and effective treatments for this disease.

Recent preclinical studies have shown that doxycycline, a commonly used antibiotic, may have anti-cancer properties and could be a potential treatment for breast cancer. In this review article, the authors summarize the current state of knowledge on the potential use of doxycycline in breast cancer treatment.

The authors begin by discussing the biology of breast cancer and how it can be classified into different subtypes based on the expression of specific biomarkers. They then go on to describe the mechanisms of action of doxycycline, including its ability to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases, which are involved in cancer invasion and metastasis, and its ability to induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells.

The authors also review the results of preclinical studies that have investigated the effects of doxycycline on breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. These studies have shown that doxycycline can inhibit the growth and proliferation of breast cancer cells, induce cell death, and reduce the formation of new blood vessels that are necessary for tumor growth. In addition, doxycycline has been shown to enhance the effects of other anti-cancer drugs, such as tamoxifen, which is commonly used in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

The authors also discuss the potential side effects of doxycycline, which are generally mild and include gastrointestinal upset and skin rash. However, they note that long-term use of doxycycline may be associated with the development of antibiotic resistance, which could limit its usefulness as an anti-cancer agent.

Overall, the authors conclude that doxycycline shows promise as a potential treatment for breast cancer, particularly in combination with other anti-cancer drugs. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment, as well as the potential side effects and risks associated with long-term use.