An international team, led by Garvan Institute, has revealed that breast cancer is caused by a molecule known as hedgehog which is located at centre of the breast cancer, transmitting biochemical signals between the cancer cells and healthy cells.

The scientists in a study have found that if the hedgehog is blocked it gradually reduces and shrinks the tumor moreover it helps in limiting the spread of it. Although the findings of the study apply to all breast cancer, it is particularly relevant for women with basal breast cancer, for which there is no therapy available at the present.

There is one more good news for breast cancer patient that a drug which helps in blocking hedgehog is hoped to be out in the market soon as it is going through Phase 2 of clinical trials in other type of cancers. The lead scientist of the study Dr. Alex Swarbrick said, “We are hopeful that our findings will drive the progress of clinical trials for anti-hedgehog drugs in breast cancer”.

For the study, the researchers analyzed breast tumor samples taken from a group of 279 women with advanced breast cancer. The study also revealed that higher the level of hedgehog, the more aggressive the cancer.