New research led by Dr. Julie St-Pierre at the University of Ottawa investigates how mitochondrial dynamics influence the spread of metastatic breast cancer, the most diagnosed cancer among women globally.

The study, published in Science Advances, indicates that promoting mitochondrial elongation may help hinder the metastasis of breast cancer cells.

Dr. Lucía Minarrieta, the study's first author, discovered that breast cancer cell lines with lower metastatic potential tend to have longer mitochondria, suggesting a link between fragmented mitochondria and more aggressive cancer forms.

Dr. St-Pierre emphasizes the importance of limiting metastasis, as it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

She further notes that a fused mitochondrial network in breast cancer cells can restrict their ability to spread, which is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

The research found a correlation between a fused mitochondrial network and better patient outcomes, even among aggressive breast cancer subtypes.

Using a common elongation signature, the team linked higher mitochondrial elongation scores to improved outcomes in breast cancer patients.

The study identified the antirheumatic drug leflunomide as a potential agent for inducing mitochondrial elongation, presenting a promising avenue for repurposing in cancer therapy.

Future clinical trials are planned to explore the effects of leflunomide on metastatic disease in patients, highlighting the translational potential of these findings.

The research was co-led by Dr. Peter Siegel from McGill University and included contributions from Dr. Mireille Khacho, showcasing the interdisciplinary efforts in cancer research.

Mitochondria are recognized for their roles as energy producers and cellular communicators, but their impact on metastatic cancer remains poorly understood.

The research team utilized various methods to promote mitochondrial elongation and aimed to identify pathways that could reduce metastasis.