New Molecule Shows Promise for Aggressive Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment

Researchers unveil SU212, a potential breakthrough in treating the aggressive form of breast cancer

Mar. 11, 2026 at 1:34am

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Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) have developed a promising new molecule called SU212 that shows potential in treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive form of the disease that currently lacks effective drug treatments. The experimental molecule works by targeting and disrupting an enzyme called enolase 1 (ENO1), which cancer cells produce in high amounts to fuel their rapid growth and spread.

Why it matters

TNBC accounts for around 15% of all breast cancer cases and is particularly aggressive, making this discovery a significant step forward in finding new treatment options. Targeting cancer metabolism, like the role of ENO1, offers the potential for more selective and effective cancer treatments with fewer side effects.

The details

In laboratory tests using a humanized mouse model mimicking human TNBC, SU212 caused ENO1 to break down, leading to reduced tumor growth and limited metastasis. Researchers believe the mechanism of targeting ENO1 could also be beneficial in treating other cancers where this enzyme plays a crucial role, including glioma, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid carcinoma.

  • The research was published in March 2026 in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.

The players

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)

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

Dr. Sanjay V. Malhotra

Co-director of the Center for Experimental Therapeutics at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and lead researcher on the SU212 project.

SU212

An experimental molecule developed by researchers at OHSU that targets the ENO1 enzyme to disrupt cancer cell growth and spread.

Enolase 1 (ENO1)

An enzyme that cancer cells produce in high amounts to fuel their rapid growth and spread, making it a target for new cancer treatments.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

An aggressive form of breast cancer that lacks the typical receptors found in other types of breast cancer, making it harder to treat with standard therapies.

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What they’re saying

“It's an important step forward to treat triple-negative breast cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive form of cancer and there are no effective drugs available right now.”

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

What’s next

The next crucial step involves advancing the SU212 molecule toward human clinical trials, which requires substantial resources and approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The takeaway

The development of SU212 exemplifies a growing trend in cancer research: targeting cancer metabolism. This approach offers the potential for more selective and effective cancer treatments with fewer side effects, and could have broad applications beyond just triple-negative breast cancer.