Breast cancer research update - 7/20/07
A few months ago it was discovered that four specific gene products are closely involved in breast cancer cells spreading (metastasize) into the lung. The work was published in PNAS and Nature.
The researchers took human breast cancer cells and using a technique called RNA interference they blocked the expression of each of these 4 genes individually and in different combinations. They then implanted these cancer cells into mice.
When any of the individual genes were inactivated the primary tumor growth and lung metastasis were inhibited a little. But when all four were inactivated - the tumor growth and spread into the lungs was almost completely stopped!
The four genes are:
- epiregulin - involved in the growth and progression of some cancers
- cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) - involved in inflammation responses
- matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) - involved with angiogenesis and tumor cell migration
- matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) - involved with angiogenesis and tumor cell migration
.
Using drugs already available:
- celecoxib (Celebrex) - an inhibitor of COX2
- cetuximab (Erbitux) - and antibody against EGFR
- GM6001 - a broad MMP inhibitor (still in preclinical trials)
.
they were able to get the same results in the mice - almost all the primary tumor growth and metastasis were eliminated.
Future research will include investigating whether or not these four genes are involved in metastasis into other organs and if multidrug targeting of these gene products will be effective in people.
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2 Responses to 'Breast cancer research update - 7/20/07'
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on July 22nd, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Do you know where these genes are located? For instance, what chromosome(s) are these genes located? What issue is this research from? I would love to get a copy of this research finding as I love the subject of human genetics and this research finding will have implications for my future career as a genetic counselor.
Thanks!
on July 22nd, 2007 at 11:44 pm
Thanks for an outstanding and very informative blog.
Just thought I’d share some news from UC Berkeley: Diindolylmethane (DIM) from broccoli has clinically been shown to promote the 2-hydroxylation of estrogen, an activity regarded by many physicians as lowering the risk of cancer. It also has been shown to potently modulate the immune system in addition to promoting apoptosis and inhibiting inflammation.
Broccoli is more nutritious than previously thought and possibly therapeutic when it comes to breast cancer.
References:
http://www.diindolylmethane.org/
http://www.activamune.com/diindolylmethane_dim_immune_activation_data_center.htm
http://www.activamune.com/