About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Potential Target To Stop Breast-Cancer Metastasis Identified

by VR Sreeraman on November 19, 2008 at 1:03 PM
 Potential Target To Stop Breast-Cancer Metastasis Identified

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine have found a potential target to stop the most deadly part of breast-cancer - metastasis.

In the study, Carol Otey, Ph.D. and UNC colleagues found that the ability of breast cancer cells to migrate could be reduced by knocking down the expression of a protein called palladin.

Advertisement

They also found higher levels of palladin in four invasive breast cancer cell lines compared to four non-invasive cell lines.

"This study shows that palladin may play an important role in the metastasis of breast cancer cells as they move out of the tumour and into the blood vessels and lymphatics to spread throughout the body," said Otey, associate professor of cell and molecular physiology.
Advertisement

For the study, the researchers grew breast cancer cells in an 'invasion chamber,' in which human tumour cells are placed in a plastic well that is inserted into a larger well.

Cells will try to move to the bottom of the chamber because it's baited with growth factors that cells find attractive.

However, first the cells have to migrate through a filter coated with a layer of artificial connective tissue.

"The cells have to migrate through that and have to degrade it. It's a useful model system that mimics what happens in the body," Otey said.

Otey said that most women would never die from breast cancer if the cancer cells couldn't metastasize to the brain and bone marrow.

"To really make breast cancer a treatable disease, we have to be able to find a way to prevent or reduce the amount of metastasis," Otey said.

"Now that we see palladin is expressed mostly in invasive cells, it raises the question as to whether it might be useful as a prognostic marker.

"Maybe someday doctors could test for the presence of palladin to identify patients who have the most aggressive tumours, then give those patients personalized, more aggressive treatment," Otey added.

The study appeared in the Nov. 3, 2008, online edition of the journal Oncogene.

Source: ANI
SK
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest Cancer News

Personalized Vaccine and T Cell Therapy for Ovarian Cancer Patients
The combination of the personalized cancer vaccine with ACT led to ovarian cancer control in few patients within a span of three months, stated study results.
Kinase-Targeted Therapy Revolutionizes Colorectal Cancer Care
Uncovering key kinases in tumor growth and invasion is crucial for improving targeted therapies in advanced-stage colorectal cancer.
Novel Photo-Oxidation Therapy Holds Promise for Anticancer Treatment
The study findings validate metal-enhanced photo-oxidation for future metal-based anticancer drugs.
Mutations in 11 Genes Linked to Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Mutations in 11 genes are linked to aggressive forms of prostate cancer, which may present novel therapeutic and therapy options.
Link Between Poor Oral Health and Head & Neck Cancer Survival Uncovered
Improved oral health, as indicated by the count of natural teeth and dental appointments preceding the diagnosis, correlated with enhanced head and neck cancer survival rates.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Potential Target To Stop Breast-Cancer Metastasis Identified Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests