The role of neutrophil extracellular traps in the development of breast cancer: A literature review

Abstract

Relevance: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are extracellular networks released by neutrophils. They are extracellular strands of decondensed DNA fiber, combined with histones and proteins from neutrophil granules, which immobilize pathogens to facilitate their subsequent elimination.
NET formation (netosis) was first discovered as an immune response to bacterial infection. However, it has since been proven that netosis occurs abnormally in several other inflammatory conditions, including cancer.
Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed malignant disease in women. In this review, we will focus on the role of NETs in BC development and their potential use as diagnostic biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets in cancer.
The study aimed to evaluate the role of NETs in the pathogenesis of breast cancer based on literature data.
Methods: The search in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases for 2014-2024 revealed about 600 articles. Of these, 53
were analyzed following the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Results: The NET role in tumor development is related to cancer immunoediting and the interaction between the immune system and
cancer cells. NETs play a key regulatory role in the tumor microenvironment, contributing to the development of distant metastases and exacerbating the tumor’s aggressiveness, thereby increasing its ability to invade. NETs play a significant role in regulating the tumor
microenvironment. NETs also have an antitumor effect since their components directly kill cancer cells. NETs’ production in cancer requires interaction between various cells and blood components, including platelets, leukocytes, metastatic tumor cells, and the primary tumor site. Today, there are no generally accepted methods of using NETs to treat cancer. These treatment methods are under development, and work is underway to target various points and components of the NETs.
Conclusion: In BC, netosis is associated with accelerated disease progression, metastasis, and complications. The study identifies
potential NET-specific targets that should be investigated and used to develop treatment methods. A better understanding of the interaction between cancer and NETs will facilitate the development of precision treatments and diagnostics tailored specifically to NETs.