Investigating the combined effects of paclitaxel and pirfenidone on metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 expression, making it unresponsive to conventional hormonal therapies. TNBC is associated with poor prognosis, rapid recurrence, and a high metastatic potential. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a central role in metastasis of TNBC cells, involving the loss of epithelial cell junctions and acquisition of mesenchymal traits such as increased motility and invasiveness. Chemotherapy remains the main therapeutic approach for TNBC, with paclitaxel serving as a key drug due to its ability to stabilize microtubules, indirectly damage DNA, and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. However, paclitaxel resistance and drug-related toxicity remain major challenges, underscoring the need for novel combination strategies to enhance efficacy and overcome resistance. Recent studies have highlighted the potential anticancer effects of pirfenidone, an antifibrotic agent. Pirfenidone exerts its antitumor activity in TNBC through inhibition of TGF-β, suppression of tumor-associated inflammation and fibrosis, and inhibition of angiogenesis. Based on these findings, the present study aimed to investigate the combined effect of paclitaxel and pirfenidone on the migration and invasion of TNBC cells, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for this aggressive breast cancer subtype.  

Dr. Hamed Zare is an assistant professor at the Motamed Cancer Institute in Iran. He holds a B.Sc. in Cellular and Molecular Biology and both an M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.

His primary research interests lie in the field of cancer biotherapeutics, with a specialized focus on the production of recombinant proteins for cancer treatment. Dr. Zare's work extensively explores the development of novel combination therapies and the design of recombinant anti-tumor vaccines. A key area of her expertise is the repurposing of drugs, particularly for the treatment of breast cancer.