In this episode of MD Newsline, we welcome Dr. Emily Zboril, a PhD candidate at Virginia Commonwealth University, to discuss her groundbreaking research on ER-positive breast cancer with bone metastasis. Emily sheds light on the unique challenges of treating this condition, the role of the bone microenvironment, and how novel therapies like lazophoxifene may change the landscape of care.

She explains how endocrine therapies currently used to block estrogen signaling often worsen bone fragility, leading to osteoporosis, fractures, and increased metastatic growth. Emily's research investigates lazophoxifene, a compound with bone-protective properties that could not only reduce metastatic burden but also improve patients' quality of life.

Her work also highlights the potential of new technologies, including spatial transcriptomics and proteomics, to deepen understanding of the bone–cancer interaction and identify biomarkers for treatment response. With ongoing phase III clinical trials, Emily shares her vision for how lazophoxifene and combination therapies may soon offer more effective, less toxic treatment options for patients living with bone metastasis.

Episode Highlights:

Bone Metastasis Challenges in ER-Positive Breast Cancer
Emily outlines why treating bone metastasis is so complex, particularly due to the impact of estrogen signaling on bone health.

Promise of Lazophoxifene
She introduces lazophoxifene as a bone-protective estrogen receptor modulator, showing strong results in preclinical models and offering a safer alternative to drugs like tamoxifen.

New Technology in Cancer Research
Cutting-edge approaches such as spatial transcriptomics and proteomics are helping her team map the interactions between cancer and bone cells, advancing precision medicine.

Clinical Trials and Future Directions
Emily discusses the ongoing ELANE-3 clinical trial and how results may shape the use of lazophoxifene in both metastatic and adjuvant therapy settings.

Key Takeaway:

Emily Zaboral's research underscores the potential of lazophoxifene to transform treatment for ER-positive breast cancer patients with bone metastasis by protecting bone health, reducing metastatic spread, and improving survival outcomes. With new technologies and clinical trials underway, the future of care for these patients is moving toward safer, more effective therapies.

Resources:

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Connect with Dr. Emily Zboril: Here