Distinct uptake and elimination profiles for trastuzumab, human IgG and biocytin-TMR in experimental HER2+ brain metastases of breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is an improved understanding of drug distribution in brain metastases. Rather than single point snapshots, we analyzed the time course and route of drug/probe elimination (clearance), focusing on the Intramural Periarterial Drainage (IPAD) pathway. METHODS: Mice with JIMT1-BR HER2+ experimental brain metastases were injected with biocytin-TMR and either trastuzumab or human IgG. Drugs/probes circulated for 5 min-48h, followed by perfusion. Brain sections were stained for human IgG, vascular basement membrane proteins laminin or collagen IV, and periarterial α-SMA. A machine learning algorithm was developed to identify metastases, metastatic microenvironment, and uninvolved brain in confocally scanned brain sections. Drug/probe intensity over time and total imaged drug exposure (iAUC) were calculated for 27,249 lesions and co-immunofluorescence with IPAD- vascular matrix analyzed in 11,668 metastases. RESULTS: In metastases, peak trastuzumab levels were 5-fold higher than human IgG but 4-fold less than biocytin-TMR. The elimination phase constituted 85-93% of total iAUC for all drugs/probes tested. For trastuzumab, total iAUC during uptake was similar to the small molecule drug probe biocytin-TMR, but slower trastuzumab elimination resulted in a 1.7-fold higher total iAUC. During elimination trastuzumab and IgG were preferentially enriched in the α-SMA+ periarterial vascular matrix, consistent with the IPAD clearance route; biocytin-TMR showed heterogeneous elimination pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Drug/probe elimination is an important component of drug development for brain metastases. We identified a prolonged elimination pathway for systemically administered antibodies through the periarterial vascular matrix that may contribute to the sustained presence and efficacy of large antibody therapeutics.

The murine metastatic microenvironment of experimental brain metastases of breast cancer differs by host age in vivo: a proteomic study.

Breast cancer in young patients is known to exhibit more aggressive biological behavior and is associated with a less favorable prognosis than the same disease in older patients, owing in part to an increased incidence of brain metastases. The mechanistic explanations behind these findings remain poorly understood. We recently reported that young mice, in comparison to older mice, developed significantly greater brain metastases in four mouse models of triple-negative and luminal B breast cancer. Here we have performed a quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis to identify proteins potentially contributing to age-related disparities in the development of breast cancer brain metastases. Using a mouse hematogenous model of brain-tropic triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231BR), we harvested subpopulations of tumor metastases, the tumor-adjacent metastatic microenvironment, and uninvolved brain tissues via laser microdissection followed by quantitative proteomic analysis using high resolution mass spectrometry to characterize differentially abundant proteins potentially contributing to age-dependent rates of brain metastasis. Pathway analysis revealed significant alterations in signaling pathways, particularly in the metastatic microenvironment, modulating tumorigenesis, metabolic processes, inflammation, and neuronal signaling. Tenascin C (TNC) was significantly elevated in all laser microdissection (LMD) enriched compartments harvested from young mice relative to older hosts, which was validated and confirmed by immunoblot analysis of whole brain lysates. Additional in vitro studies including migration and wound-healing assays demonstrated TNC as a positive regulator of tumor cell migration. These results provide important new insights regarding microenvironmental factors, including TNC, as mechanisms contributing to the increased brain cancer metastatic phenotype observed in young breast cancer patients.

National Cancer Institute Collaborative Workshop on Shaping the Landscape of Brain Metastases Research: challenges and recommended priorities.

Brain metastases are an increasing global public health concern, even as survival rates improve for patients with metastatic disease. Both metastases and the sequelae of their treatment are key determinants of the inter-related priorities of patient survival, function, and quality of life, mandating a multidimensional approach to clinical care and research. At a virtual National Cancer Institute Workshop in September, 2022, key stakeholders convened to define research priorities to address the crucial areas of unmet need for patients with brain metastases to achieve meaningful advances in patient outcomes. This Policy Review outlines existing knowledge gaps, collaborative opportunities, and specific recommendations regarding consensus priorities and future directions in brain metastases research. Achieving major advances in research will require enhanced coordination between the ongoing efforts of individual organisations and consortia. Importantly, the continual and active engagement of patients and patient advocates will be necessary to ensure that the directionality of all efforts reflects what is most meaningful in the context of patient care.

A perspective on the metastasis suppressor field.

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer patient mortality. Metastasis suppressors are genes that, upon reexpression in metastatic tumor cells to levels observed in their nonmetastatic counterparts, significantly reduce metastasis without affecting the growth of the primary tumor. Analysis of > 30 metastasis suppressors revealed complex mechanisms of action that include multiple signaling pathways, transcriptional patterns, posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms, and potential contributions of genomic stability. Clinical testing of strategies to re-establish a validated metastasis suppressor pathway in tumors is best directed to the adjuvant setting, with the goal of inhibiting the outgrowth of occult micrometastases.

Comparison of Three Transcytotic Pathways for Distribution to Brain Metastases of Breast Cancer.

Advances in drug treatments for brain metastases of breast cancer have improved progression-free survival but new, more efficacious strategies are needed. Most chemotherapeutic drugs infiltrate brain metastases by moving between brain capillary endothelial cells, paracellular distribution, resulting in heterogeneous distribution, lower than that of systemic metastases. Herein, we tested three well-known transcytotic pathways through brain capillary endothelial cells as potential avenues for drug access: transferrin receptor (TfR) peptide, low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LRP1) peptide, albumin. Each was far-red labeled, injected into two hematogenous models of brain metastases, circulated for two different times, and their uptake quantified in metastases and uninvolved (nonmetastatic) brain. Surprisingly, all three pathways demonstrated distinct distribution patterns in vivo. Two were suboptimal: TfR distributed to uninvolved brain but poorly in metastases, while LRP1 was poorly distributed. Albumin distributed to virtually all metastases in both model systems, significantly greater than in uninvolved brain (P < 0.0001). Further experiments revealed that albumin entered both macrometastases and micrometastases, the targets of treatment and prevention translational strategies. Albumin uptake into brain metastases was not correlated with the uptake of a paracellular probe (biocytin). We identified a novel mechanism of albumin endocytosis through the endothelia of brain metastases consistent with clathrin-independent endocytosis (CIE), involving the neonatal Fc receptor, galectin-3, and glycosphingolipids. Components of the CIE process were found on metastatic endothelial cells in human craniotomies. The data suggest a reconsideration of albumin as a translational mechanism for improved drug delivery to brain metastases and possibly other central nervous system (CNS) cancers.In conclusion, drug therapy for brain metastasis needs improvement. We surveyed three transcytotic pathways as potential delivery systems in brain-tropic models and found that albumin has optimal properties. Albumin used a novel endocytic mechanism.

Phase I Study and Cell-Free DNA Analysis of T-DM1 and Metronomic Temozolomide for Secondary Prevention of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Brain Metastases.

PURPOSE: Preclinical data showed that prophylactic, low-dose temozolomide (TMZ) significantly prevented breast cancer brain metastasis. We present results of a phase I trial combining T-DM1 with TMZ for the prevention of additional brain metastases after previous occurrence and local treatment in patients with HER2+ breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients had HER2+ breast cancer with brain metastases and were within 12 weeks of whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT), stereotactic radiosurgery, and/or surgery. Standard doses of T-DM1 were administered intravenously every 21 days (3.6 mg/kg) and TMZ was given orally daily in a 3+3 phase I dose escalation design at 30, 40, or 50 mg/m2, continuously. DLT period was one 21-day cycle. Primary endpoint was safety and recommended phase II dose. Symptom questionnaires, brain MRI, and systemic CT scans were performed every 6 weeks. Cell-free DNA sequencing was performed on patients' plasma and CSF. RESULTS: Twelve women enrolled, nine (75%) with prior SRS therapy and three (25%) with prior WBRT. Grade 3 or 4 AEs included thrombocytopenia (1/12), neutropenia (1/12), lymphopenia (6/12), and decreased CD4 (6/12), requiring pentamidine for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis. No DLT was observed. Four patients on the highest TMZ dose underwent dose reductions. At trial entry, 6 of 12 patients had tumor mutations in CSF, indicating ongoing metastatic colonization despite a clear MRI. Median follow-up on study was 9.6 m (2.8-33.9); only 2 patients developed new parenchymal brain metastases. Tumor mutations varied with patient outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Metronomic TMZ in combination with standard dose T-DM1 shows low-grade toxicity and potential activity in secondary prevention of HER2+ brain metastases.

Metastasis suppressor NME1 in exosomes or liposomes conveys motility and migration inhibition in breast cancer model systems.

Tumor-derived exosomes have documented roles in accelerating the initiation and outgrowth of metastases, as well as in therapy resistance. Little information supports the converse, that exosomes or similar vesicles can suppress metastasis. We investigated the NME1 (Nm23-H1) metastasis suppressor as a candidate for metastasis suppression by extracellular vesicles. Exosomes derived from two cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231T and MDA-MB-435), when transfected with the NME1 (Nm23-H1) metastasis suppressor, secreted exosomes with NME1 as the predominant constituent. These exosomes entered recipient tumor cells, altered their endocytic patterns in agreement with NME1 function, and suppressed in vitro tumor cell motility and migration compared to exosomes from control transfectants. Proteomic analysis of exosomes revealed multiple differentially expressed proteins that could exert biological functions. Therefore, we also prepared and investigated liposomes, empty or containing partially purified rNME1. rNME1 containing liposomes recapitulated the effects of exosomes from NME1 transfectants in vitro. In an experimental lung metastasis assay the median lung metastases per histologic section was 158 using control liposomes and 15 in the rNME1 liposome group, 90.5% lower than the control liposome group (P = 0.016). The data expand the exosome/liposome field to include metastasis suppressive functions and describe a new translational approach to prevent metastasis.

The blood-tumour barrier in cancer biology and therapy.

The protective blood-brain barrier has a major role in ensuring normal brain function by severely limiting and tightly controlling the ingress of substances into the brain from the circulation. In primary brain tumours, such as glioblastomas, as well as in brain metastases from cancers in other organs, including lung and breast cancers and melanoma, the blood-brain barrier is modified and is referred to as the blood-tumour barrier (BTB). Alterations in the BTB affect its permeability, and this structure participates in reciprocal regulatory pathways with tumour cells. Importantly, the BTB typically retains a heterogeneous capacity to restrict the penetration of many therapeutic agents into intracranial tumours, and overcoming this challenge is a key to improving the effectiveness of treatment and patient quality of life. Herein, current knowledge of BTB structure and function is reviewed from a cell and cancer biology standpoint, with a focus on findings derived from in vivo models and human tumour specimens. Additionally, how this knowledge can be translated into clinical advances for patients with cancer is discussed.

Aging and CNS Myeloid Cell Depletion Attenuate Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis.

PURPOSE: Breast cancer diagnosed in young patients is often aggressive. Because primary breast tumors from young and older patients have similar mutational patterns, we hypothesized that the young host microenvironment promotes more aggressive metastatic disease. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Triple-negative or luminal B breast cancer cell lines were injected into young and older mice side-by-side to quantify lung, liver, and brain metastases. Young and older mouse brains, metastatic and naïve, were analyzed by flow cytometry. Immune populations were depleted using antibodies or a colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R) inhibitor, and brain metastasis assays were conducted. Effects on myeloid populations, astrogliosis, and the neuroinflammatory response were determined. RESULTS: Brain metastases were 2- to 4-fold higher in young as compared with older mouse hosts in four models of triple-negative or luminal B breast cancer; no age effect was observed on liver or lung metastases. Aged brains, naïve or metastatic, contained fewer resident CNS myeloid cells. Use of a CSF-1R inhibitor to deplete myeloid cells, including both microglia and infiltrating macrophages, preferentially reduced brain metastasis burden in young mice. Downstream effects of CSF-1R inhibition in young mice resembled that of an aged brain in terms of myeloid numbers, induction of astrogliosis, and Semaphorin 3A secretion within the neuroinflammatory response. CONCLUSIONS: Host microenvironmental factors contribute to the aggressiveness of triple-negative and luminal B breast cancer brain metastasis. CSF-1R inhibitors may hold promise for young brain metastasis patients.

Identification and Characterization of Cancer Cells That Initiate Metastases to the Brain and Other Organs.

Specific biological properties of those circulating cancer cells that are the origin of brain metastases (BM) are not well understood. Here, single circulating breast cancer cells were fate-tracked during all steps of the brain metastatic cascade in mice after intracardial injection over weeks. A novel in vivo two-photon microscopy methodology was developed that allowed to determine the specific cellular and molecular features of breast cancer cells that homed in the brain, extravasated, and successfully established a brain macrometastasis. Those BM-initiating breast cancer cells (BMIC) were mainly originating from a slow-cycling subpopulation that included only 16% to 20% of all circulating cancer cells. BMICs showed enrichment of various markers of cellular stemness. As a proof of principle for the principal usefulness of this approach, expression profiling of BMICs versus non-BMICs was performed, which revealed upregulation of NDRG1 in the slow-cycling BMIC subpopulation in one BM model. Here, BM development was completely suppressed when NDRG1 expression was downregulated. In accordance, in primary human breast cancer, NDRG1 expression was heterogeneous, and high NDRG1 expression was associated with shorter metastasis-free survival. In conclusion, our data identify temporary slow-cycling breast cancer cells as the dominant source of brain and other metastases and demonstrates that this can lead to better understanding of BMIC-relevant pathways, including potential new approaches to prevent BM in patients. IMPLICATIONS: Cancer cells responsible for successful brain metastasis outgrowth are slow cycling and harbor stemness features. The molecular characteristics of these metastasis-initiating cells can be studied using intravital microscopy technology.

Endocytosis: a pivotal pathway for regulating metastasis.

A potentially important aspect in the regulation of tumour metastasis is endocytosis. This process consists of internalisation of cell-surface receptors via pinocytosis, phagocytosis or receptor-mediated endocytosis, the latter of which includes clathrin-, caveolae- and non-clathrin or caveolae-mediated mechanisms. Endocytosis then progresses through several intracellular compartments for sorting and routing of cargo, ending in lysosomal degradation, recycling back to the cell surface or secretion. Multiple endocytic proteins are dysregulated in cancer and regulate tumour metastasis, particularly migration and invasion. Importantly, four metastasis suppressor genes function in part by regulating endocytosis, namely, the NME, KAI, MTSS1 and KISS1 pathways. Data on metastasis suppressors identify a new point of dysregulation operative in tumour metastasis, alterations in signalling through endocytosis. This review will focus on the multicomponent process of endocytosis affecting different steps of metastasis and how metastatic-suppressor genes use endocytosis to suppress metastasis.

Resistance to the CHK1 inhibitor prexasertib involves functionally distinct CHK1 activities in BRCA wild-type ovarian cancer.

High grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a fatal gynecologic malignancy in the U.S. with limited treatment options. New therapeutic strategies include targeting of the cell cycle checkpoints, e.g., ATR and CHK1. We recently reported a promising clinical activity of the CHK1 inhibitor (CHK1i) prexasertib monotherapy in BRCA wild-type (BRCAwt) HGSOC patients. In this study, biopsies of treated patients and cell line models were used to investigate possible mechanisms of resistance to CHK1i. We report that BRCAwt HGSOC develops resistance to prexasertib monotherapy via a prolonged G2 delay induced by lower CDK1/CyclinB1 activity, thus preventing cells from mitotic catastrophe and cell death. On the other hand, we noted CHK1's regulation on RAD51-mediated homologous recombination (HR) repair was not altered in CHK1i-resistant cells. Therefore, CHK1i sensitizes CHK1i-resistant cells to DNA damaging agents such as gemcitabine or hydroxyurea by inhibition of HR. In summary, our results demonstrate new mechanistic insights of functionally distinct CHK1 activities and highlight a potential combination treatment approach to overcome CHK1i resistance in BRCAwt HGSOC.

Brain Metastasis Cell Lines Panel: A Public Resource of Organotropic Cell Lines.

Spread of cancer to the brain remains an unmet clinical need in spite of the increasing number of cases among patients with lung, breast cancer, and melanoma most notably. Although research on brain metastasis was considered a minor aspect in the past due to its untreatable nature and invariable lethality, nowadays, limited but encouraging examples have questioned this statement, making it more attractive for basic and clinical researchers. Evidences of its own biological identity (i.e., specific microenvironment) and particular therapeutic requirements (i.e., presence of blood-brain barrier, blood-tumor barrier, molecular differences with the primary tumor) are thought to be critical aspects that must be functionally exploited using preclinical models. We present the coordinated effort of 19 laboratories to compile comprehensive information related to brain metastasis experimental models. Each laboratory has provided details on the cancer cell lines they have generated or characterized as being capable of forming metastatic colonies in the brain, as well as principle methodologies of brain metastasis research. The Brain Metastasis Cell Lines Panel (BrMPanel) represents the first of its class and includes information about the cell line, how tropism to the brain was established, and the behavior of each model in vivo. These and other aspects described are intended to assist investigators in choosing the most suitable cell line for research on brain metastasis. The main goal of this effort is to facilitate research on this unmet clinical need, to improve models through a collaborative environment, and to promote the exchange of information on these valuable resources.

HER2 antibody-drug conjugate controls growth of breast cancer brain metastases in hematogenous xenograft models, with heterogeneous blood-tumor barrier penetration unlinked to a passive marker.

BACKGROUND: Brain metastases of HER2+ breast cancer persist as a clinical challenge. Many therapeutics directed at human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) are antibodies or antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and their permeability through the blood-tumor barrier (BTB) is poorly understood. We investigated the efficacy of a biparatopic anti-HER2 antibody-tubulysin conjugate (bHER2-ATC) in preclinical models of brain metastases. METHODS: The compound was evaluated in 2 hematogenous HER2+ brain metastasis mouse models, SUM190-BR and JIMT-1-BR. Endpoints included metastasis count, compound brain penetration, cancer cell proliferation, and apoptosis. RESULTS: Biparatopic HER2-ATC 3 mg/kg prevented metastasis outgrowth in the JIMT-1-BR model. At 1 mg/kg bHER2-ATC, a 70% and 92% reduction in large and micrometastases was observed. For the SUM190-BR model, an 85% and 53% reduction, respectively, in large and micrometastases was observed at 3 mg/kg, without statistical significance. Proliferation was reduced in both models at the highest dose. At the endpoint, bHER2-ATC uptake covered a median of 4-6% and 7-17% of metastasis area in the JIMT-1-BR and SUM190-BR models, respectively. Maximal compound uptake in the models was 19% and 86% in JIMT-1-BR and SUM190-BR, respectively. Multiple lesions in both models demonstrated ADC uptake in the absence or low diffusion of Texas Red Dextran, a marker of paracellular permeability. Using in vitro BTB assays, the ADC was endocytosed into brain endothelial cells, identifying a potentially new mechanism of antibody permeability. CONCLUSIONS: Biparatopic HER2-ATC significantly prevented JIMT-1-BR brain metastasis outgrowth and showed activity in the SUM190-BR model. The bHER2-ATC penetration into metastases that are impermeable to fluorescent dye suggested an endocytic mechanism of brain penetration.

Temozolomide in secondary prevention of HER2-positive breast cancer brain metastases.

Brain metastases occur in up to 25-55% of patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. Standard treatment has high rates of recurrence or progression, limiting survival and quality of life in most patients. Temozolomide (TMZ) is known to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and is US FDA approved for treatment of glioblastoma. Our group has demonstrated that low doses of TMZ administered in a prophylactic, metronomic fashion can significantly prevent development of brain metastases in murine models of breast cancer. Based on these findings, we initiated a secondary-prevention clinical trial with oral TMZ given to HER2-positive breast cancer patients with brain metastases after recent local treatment in combination with T-DM1 for systemic control of disease. Primary end point is freedom from new brain metastases at 1 year. (NCT03190967).

Tumour exosomal CEMIP protein promotes cancer cell colonization in brain metastasis.

The development of effective therapies against brain metastasis is currently hindered by limitations in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving it. Here we define the contributions of tumour-secreted exosomes to brain metastatic colonization and demonstrate that pre-conditioning the brain microenvironment with exosomes from brain metastatic cells enhances cancer cell outgrowth. Proteomic analysis identified cell migration-inducing and hyaluronan-binding protein (CEMIP) as elevated in exosomes from brain metastatic but not lung or bone metastatic cells. CEMIP depletion in tumour cells impaired brain metastasis, disrupting invasion and tumour cell association with the brain vasculature, phenotypes rescued by pre-conditioning the brain microenvironment with CEMIP+ exosomes. Moreover, uptake of CEMIP+ exosomes by brain endothelial and microglial cells induced endothelial cell branching and inflammation in the perivascular niche by upregulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines encoded by Ptgs2, Tnf and Ccl/Cxcl, known to promote brain vascular remodelling and metastasis. CEMIP was elevated in tumour tissues and exosomes from patients with brain metastasis and predicted brain metastasis progression and patient survival. Collectively, our findings suggest that targeting exosomal CEMIP could constitute a future avenue for the prevention and treatment of brain metastasis.

Antibody-drug conjugates for cancer.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are immunoconjugates comprised of a monoclonal antibody tethered to a cytotoxic drug (known as the payload) via a chemical linker. The ADC is designed to selectively deliver the ultratoxic payload directly to the target cancer cells. To date, five ADCs have received market approval and over 100 are being investigated in various stages of clinical development. In this Therapeutics paper, we review recent clinical experience with the approved ADCs and other promising late-stage candidates on the horizon, following an overview of the biology and chemistry of ADCs and how the individual components of an ADC (antibody [or target], linker and conjugation chemistry, and cytotoxic payload) influence its activity. We briefly discuss opportunities for enhancing ADC efficacy, drug resistance, and future perspectives for this novel antibody-based molecular platform, which has great potential to make a paradigm shift in cancer chemotherapy.

Metastasis Suppressors NME1 and NME2 Promote Dynamin 2 Oligomerization and Regulate Tumor Cell Endocytosis, Motility, and Metastasis.

NM23 (NME) is a metastasis suppressor that significantly reduces metastasis without affecting primary tumor size, however, the precise molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. We examined the role of dynamin (DNM2), a GTPase regulating membrane scission of vesicles in endocytosis, in NME1 and NME2 regulation of tumor cell motility and metastasis. Overexpression of NMEs in MDA-MB-231T and MDA-MB-435 cancer cell lines increased endocytosis of transferrin and EGF receptors (TfR and EGFR) concurrent with motility and migration suppression. The internalized vesicles, costained with Rab5, had AP2 depleted from the cell surface and exhibited increased Rab5-GTP levels, consistent with endocytosis. Dynamin inhibitors Iminodyn-22 and Dynole-34-2, or shRNA-mediated downregulation of DNM2, impaired NME's ability to augment endocytosis or suppress tumor cell motility. In a lung metastasis assay, NME1 overexpression failed to significantly suppress metastasis in the DNM2 knockdown MDA-MB-231T cells. Using the EGF-EGFR signaling axis as a model in MDA-MB-231T cells, NME1 decreased pEGFR and pAkt expression in a DNM2-dependent manner, indicating the relevance of this interaction for downstream signaling. NME-DNM2 interaction was confirmed in two-way coimmunoprecipitations. Transfection of a NME1 site-directed mutant lacking histidine protein kinase activity but retaining nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) activity showed that the NDPK activity of NME was insufficient to promote endocytosis or inhibit EGFR signaling. We show that addition of NME1 or NME2 to DNM2 facilitates DNM2 oligomerization and increases GTPase activity, both required for vesicle scission. NME-DNM2 interaction may contribute to metastasis suppression by altering tumor endocytic and motility phenotypes. SIGNIFICANCE: NME1 suppresses metastasis via changes in tumor endocytosis and motility, mediated by dynamin (DNM2) GTPase activity.

Estradiol induces BDNF/TrkB signaling in triple-negative breast cancer to promote brain metastases.

Breast cancer brain metastases (BM) affect younger women disproportionally, including those lacking estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor, and HER2 (known as triple-negative breast cancer; TNBC). Previous studies in preclinical models showed that pre-menopausal levels of estradiol (E2) promote TNBC-BM through incompletely understood mechanisms involving reactive astrocytes. Herein, a novel mechanism involving E2-dependent upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in astrocytes, and subsequent activation of tumor cell tropomyosin kinase receptor B (TrkB), is identified. E2 increased experimental BM of TNBC 4T1BR5 and E0771 cells by 21 and 3.6 fold, respectively, compared to E2-depleted mice. ERα+ reactive astrocytes were found at early and late stages of BM, and E2 upregulated BDNF in ER+ reactive astrocytes in vitro and in vivo. TrkB was expressed in TNBC brain-trophic cell lines, BM-patient-derived xenografts, and breast cancer BM. Conditioned media from E2-treated astrocytes (CM-E2) activated TrkB and downstream AKT, ERK, and PLC-γ signaling in TNBC cells, increasing their invasiveness and tumor-initiating capability in vitro. The promotion of BM by E2-activated astrocytes was found to be more complex, involving feedback loops and other receptor tyrosine kinases. In 4T1BR5 cells, there was a positive feedback loop whereby astrocytic BDNF induced cancer cell BDNF translation. Upregulation of cancer cell BDNF was required to promote full invasiveness of 4T1BR5 in response to CM-E2, and was observed in brain metastatic cells in E2-treated mice in vivo. Moreover, the non-competitive BDNF/TrkB inhibitor ANA-12 reduced E2-induced 4T1BR5 BM to levels similar to OVX mice. BDNF also activated EGFR in TrkB+EGFR+ TNBC cells, suggesting that E2 action through astrocytes activates redundant pathways promoting BM. These findings have important therapeutic implications, as they provide a rationale to use E2-depletion therapies or TrkB inhibitors to prevent or delay development of BM in younger women.