Scientists discover molecule that stops aggressive breast cancer in its tracks

A new compound, SU212, targets a key enzyme to disrupt cancer cell metabolism and slow tumor growth.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) have discovered a promising new molecule, SU212, that could revolutionize the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This aggressive form of breast cancer lacks common treatment targets, making it difficult to treat effectively. SU212 works by targeting the ENO1 enzyme, which cancer cells rely on heavily to fuel their rapid growth through glucose metabolism. In experiments, SU212 was able to bind to ENO1, causing its breakdown and reducing tumor growth and metastasis.

Why it matters

TNBC is a particularly challenging form of breast cancer because it lacks the typical receptors (estrogen, progesterone, and HER2) that are targeted by common hormone therapies and HER2-targeted drugs. This leaves patients with limited treatment options, highlighting the critical need for new approaches like the one represented by SU212. The potential of this molecule extends beyond just TNBC, as it could also be beneficial in treating other cancers influenced by the ENO1 enzyme, including glioma, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid carcinoma.

The details

The research team, led by Dr. Sanjay V. Malhotra of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, focused on disrupting the critical glucose metabolism pathway within cancer cells. SU212 effectively binds to and causes the breakdown of ENO1, an enzyme that cancer cells utilize in unusually high amounts to fuel their rapid growth. In experiments using a humanized mouse model, this disruption of glucose metabolism interfered with a key survival mechanism for the cancer cells, leading to reduced tumor growth and metastasis.

  • The research behind SU212 began at the National Cancer Institute and continued at Stanford University before Dr. Malhotra joined OHSU.

The players

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)

A public research university and academic health center located in Portland, Oregon, known for its pioneering work in cancer research and treatment.

Dr. Sanjay V. Malhotra

Co-director of the Center for Experimental Therapeutics at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, who led the research team that discovered the SU212 molecule.

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What they’re saying

“The potential of SU212 extends beyond TNBC. Researchers believe targeting ENO1 could be beneficial in treating other cancers influenced by the enzyme, including glioma, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid carcinoma.”

— Dr. Sanjay V. Malhotra, Co-director of the Center for Experimental Therapeutics at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

What’s next

The next critical step involves advancing SU212 toward human clinical trials. This process requires substantial investment to secure Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and initiate patient studies.

The takeaway

This discovery of SU212 and its ability to disrupt cancer cell metabolism represents a significant advancement in the treatment of aggressive forms of breast cancer, as well as the potential for broader applications in other cancer types. The success of this research underscores the growing trend in cancer research of targeting metabolic pathways as a means of selectively starving cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues.