Promising Lines of Research Discussed at NBCC Annual Advocacy Conference

By Chelsea Michael, DBCC Outreach & Education Coordinator

Although one of the main topics at the NBCC Annual Advocacy Conference was how to make faster and more meaningful progress in breast cancer research, a few recent research trends also created some buzz during the sessions.

Breast cancer cells stained visualize different cell parts.    Receptors are stained bright green. Depending  on the number and type of receptors (ER, PR or HER2)  on the cancer cells, scientists can categorize the tumor  and use targeted drugsto treat the cell.   Photo Credit: Carolin Zehetmeier (posted under GE  Healthcare’s  photostream on Flickr.com)

Can targeting the surrounding tissues prevent tumors from thriving?

Traditionally, most research looks at how to target and treat cancer cells themselves. However, some recent and current projects are looking at preventing new tumors and/or tumor growth by changing the cells and tissues surrounding the cancer cells.

Metformin

• Researchers found that administering Metformin, a drug currently used to control type 2 diabetes, along with chemotherapy improved breast cancer treatment in mice. Another group of researchers also noticed reduced breast cancer occurrence in a very small group of women taking Metformin to control type 2 diabetes.  However, both studies are limited and it is too early to determine how Metformin will impact cancer in non-diabetic individuals.
• Multiple studies are underway to examine potential ways to use Metformin in breast cancer treatment. 

Reducing Inflammation

• Researchers are studying the impact of anti-inflammatory substances on cancer growth.  Substances that have anti-inflammatory effects, such as aspirin and other NSAIDs, as well as vitamin D are under investigation to see if they impact tumor growth. 
• Although a link between physical activity and reducing breast cancer has been strongly established, how exactly it helps reduce the risk is still under investigation. Some conference speakers suggested that part of protective effect of exercise may come from inflammation reduction.

What can we learn from breast fluids and breast milk?
Breast fluids and breast milk can provide cell samples, as well as an indication of levels of other substances, such as hormones, in the breast.

• In the “Breast Cancer is Not One Disease” workshop, Susan Love, MD, MBA (The Dr. Susan Love Foundation) referred the BEAM Study, a new study examining if breast fluid (not breast milk) can contain clues to better predict a woman’s risk for breast cancer.
• If the BEAM Study identifies substances linked to breast cancer, Dr. Love also suggested a simple, low-cost fluid test that could be implemented to find high-risk women. 
• Sound interesting?  Learn more and even see if you qualify to participate in the BEAM Study’s Baltimore trials at Johns Hopkins! 
• The Love/Avon Army of Women is also involved in a similar study examining breast milk in lactating mothers.
  

How can we keep tumor cells dormant?
Researchers traditionally looked for drugs that would shrink tumors; however preventing tumors would be better than treating existing tumors.

• Patricia Steeg, PhD (National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health) discussed the preliminary findings of a study in which a drug prevented metastasized cancer cells from proliferating, or producing more cells, in mice. When metastasized cancer cells divide to make more cells, they can form new tumors. (Steeg also discovered a gene involved in metastasis and has conducted a similar previous study using a different drug.)
• Although the drugs may not have the same effect in humans, it represents a new approach to treating cancer.
• Furthermore, Steeg’s work shows the need to adapt the current clinical trials process.  The current process selects for drugs that shrink tumors. However, the drugs under investigation would not progress in the current trial sequence because, although they may prevent new tumors, they do not diminish the size of established tumors.

How would other types of scientist approach cancer?
Engineers and physical scientists approach problems in a different way than the biological researchers tackle the same problems.

• Paul Davies, PhD (Arizona State University) explained that tumor cells in the blood or lymph system could be approached as physical objects moving through a fluid. 
• He also suggested an evolutionary approach to cancer, comparing tumors to primitive (and now extinct) precursors to more complex and evolved organisms.  
• The National Cancer Institute funds Davies through the Center for Convergence of Physical Science and Cancer Biology at Arizona State University and similar work at 11 additional Physical Sciences-Oncology Centers around the United States.