The Emerging Role of Galectin-3 in Breast Cancer Progression, Metastasis, and Therapeutic Resistance: A Comprehensive Review

Qutaiba Abd El-Razaq  Muner; Ammar Hamid  Hamad

doi:10.51699/cajmns.v7i3.3316

Authors

Qutaiba Abd El-Razaq Muner College of Health and Medical Techniques, University of Mashreq, Baghdad, Iraq
Ammar Hamid Hamad College of Health and Medical Techniques, University of Mashreq, Baghdad, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51699/cajmns.v7i3.3316

Keywords:

Galectin-3, Breast Cancer, Metastasis, Therapeutic Resistance, Tumor Microenvironment

Abstract

Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women worldwide and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Despite significant advances in early detection and treatment strategies, tumor progression, metastatic dissemination, and therapeutic resistance continue to pose major clinical challenges. Increasing evidence has identified galectin-3, a β-galactoside-binding lectin, as a multifunctional regulator involved in various aspects of breast cancer biology. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the emerging role of galectin-3 in breast cancer progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. Galectin-3 participates in multiple cellular processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis evasion, angiogenesis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, immune modulation, and extracellular matrix remodeling, all of which contribute to tumor growth and metastatic potential. Elevated galectin-3 expression has been associated with aggressive clinicopathological features, enhanced invasion, and poor patient outcomes in several breast cancer subtypes, particularly triple-negative breast cancer. Furthermore, galectin-3 influences tumor–microenvironment interactions by promoting immune escape mechanisms and facilitating communication between cancer cells and stromal components. Recent studies have also demonstrated that galectin-3 contributes to resistance against chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy through the activation of survival signaling pathways and the maintenance of cancer stem cell properties. In addition to its biological significance, galectin-3 has emerged as a promising diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarker with potential utility in patient stratification and treatment monitoring. Therapeutic approaches targeting galectin-3, including small-molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and combination treatment strategies, have shown encouraging preclinical results and may offer novel opportunities for improving clinical outcomes. Collectively, current evidence highlights galectin-3 as a pivotal mediator of breast cancer progression and treatment resistance, underscoring its potential as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target in precision oncology.

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