Triple‑Negative Breast Cancer Co‑opts Macrophages to Recruit Nerves, Fueling Growth and Resistance

A new study reveals that triple‑negative breast cancer tumors enlist macrophages—immune cells that normally help heal and fight infection—to produce brain‑derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF attracts nerves into the tumor microenvironment. The infiltrating nerves appear to support tumor growth, enhance resistance to therapy, and may facilitate metastasis. The finding uncovers a previously unknown link between the nervous system and aggressive breast cancer, suggesting that disrupting this nerve recruitment pathway could become a novel therapeutic strategy.