Métabolisme du fer et cancer du sein: Connaissances et perspectives

Abstract

Iron plays a fundamental role in biology and its concentration in living organisms is regulated very precisely. Many molecules of storage and transportation are used to maintain the intracellular homeostasis. Cancer cells have alterations in this balance. Recent studies have shown that breast cancer cells present abnormal expression of several proteins such as hepcidin and ferroportin. A prognostic impact of these alterations has been reported in patients with breast cancer. Regulatory molecules of iron metabolism could become therapeutic targets. This is an innovative approach that has emerged for treating a cancer which, despite advances in treatment and the emergence of targeted therapies, remains the leading cause of cancer death in women.