News Release

Interesting stories at the IMPAKT Breast Cancer Conference

Peer-Reviewed Publication

European Society for Medical Oncology

Abstract 35P: Markers for risk of pregnancy-associated breast cancer
C.B. Agborsangaya, FINLAND
As women delay child-birth to the third and fourth decades, the incidence of pregnancy-associated breast cancer is expected to rise. This paper suggests that identification of p53 autoantibody-positive pregnant women may be useful in predicting outbreak or early detection of pregnancy-associated breast cancer.

Abstract 92P: Post traumatic stress disorder in breast cancer patients
E. Calbari, GREECE
Having breast cancer is not a merely stressful experience, but rather involves a cascade of unfolding threats and stressors. According to new findings, 45% of patients treated reported cancer-related PTSD and poorer quality of life even after 3 years of diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract 108P: Delivering RNA interference to HER2 overexpressing breast cancer
E. Song, CHINA
Researchers investigated the specificity and efficiency of a fusion protein against HER-2 and truncated protamine to deliver siRNAs into HER-2 expressing breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The proteins can selectively deliver siRNA to HER2 overexpressing breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract 102P: MicroRNAs regulate the stemness of breast tumor initiating cells
E. Song, CHINA
Researchers show that self-renewal of breast cancer stem cells are tightly regulated by microRNAs, suggesting that targeting delivery of tumor-suppressing microRNAs into breast tumor initiating cells emerges to be a novel approach for breast cancer treatment.

Abstract 27P: A fingerprint potentially correlated with the presence of micro-metastatic disease in early breast cancer
C. Oakman, ITALY,
This pilot study uses serum metabolomic profiles to discriminate between early and advanced breast cancer patients. Compared with traditional risk factors, metabolomics may identify more pts with lower relapse risk. Validation of this model in a cohort of pts with long term follow-up is underway.

Abstract 36P: Assessment of circulating tumor cells (CTCS) in blood of primary invasive duct carcinoma (PIDC) patients
A.A. Bahnassy, EGYPT
Prognosis of breast cancer patients is still limited by the occurrence of distant metastases. 1) Detection and monitoring of CTCs in blood is an easy, non-invasive procedure enabling repeated analyses. 2) Flow-cytometry provides a simple and accurate technique for enumerating CTCs in peripheral blood. 3) The presence of CTCs in the blood of PIDC patients can predict prognosis.

Abstract 72P: Patterns of care in elderly breast cancer patients
A. Mahipal, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Elderly breast cancer (age 65 years or more) patients are underrepresented in most of clinical trials. This study suggests that the proportion of elderly patients receiving chemotherapy is increasing in recent years. Elderly patients who received chemotherapy had better clinical outcomes than those who did not. Age should not be a sole factor in determining chemotherapy administration.

Abstract 142P: New drug candidate? Synthetic analogues of flavaglines
L. Désaubry, FRANCE
Flavaglines are a family of natural compounds. This study suggests that flavaglines are a novel class of molecules that selectively induce the death of cancer cells independently of the classical apoptosis pathways, and do not display any sign of toxicity in vivo.

Abstract 67P: Gene differences predict survival outcomes after chemotherapy in breast cancer patients
E. Castro Marcos, SPAIN
Single nucleotide polymorphisms SNPs in genes XRCC3 and XRCC1 are associated with different outcomes, likely attributable to the differential abilities to repair anthracycline-induced DNA damage. These promising findings have pharmacogenomics implications in matching particular adjuvant CT for specific cancer patients.

Abstract 140P: New target for breast cancer? The sodium-iodide symporter
N. Fortunati, ITALY,
The sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) mediates iodide uptake into thyroid cells allowing radioiodine imaging and therapy in thyroid cancer. NIS is also expressed in lactating mammary glands, and in more than 80% of human breast carcinomas. This study reports that the pan-deacetylase (DAC) inhibitor LBH589 induces NIS expression and function in breast cancer cultured cells. LBH589 appears to be an interesting compound in the managing of breast cancer, giving the opportunity of using radioiodide as further diagnostic and therapeutic tool.

Abstract 143P: Combination of ASA404 (vadimezan) with paclitaxel and trastuzumab
D.B. Evans, SWITZERLAND
ASA404 is a flavonoid, non tubulin-binding Tumour-Vascular Disrupting Agent that induces breakdown of the established tumor vasculature and hence inhibition of the tumor blood supply, leading to ischemia and extensive necrosis of the tumor core. This study shows that it enhances the activity of trastuzumab and paclitaxel, highlighting the potential value of this combination in breast cancer treatment.

Abstract 105P: Overcoming trastuzumab resistance?
M. Gijsen, UNITED KINGDOM.
It is still poorly understood how trastuzumab exerts its tumor inhibition effect. Its acquired resistance mechanisms are also not yet fully determined. This study provides evidence that trastuzumab resistance can be mediated by activation of HER family ligands as a result of a PKB negative feedback loop. This offers treatment opportunities for overcoming resistance in these patients, including approaches to target all HER receptors in combination with trastuzumab treatment.

###


Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.