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Lombardi researchers find investigational agent reduces tumor resistance to breast cancer therapy

A new investigational agent YC137 was found to restore sensitivity of breast cancer cells to treatment by fulvestrant, a commonly used drug for estrogen-receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. The study suggests that using an agent that can hit multiple Bcl2 proteins will be more effective in overcoming tumor resistance.

JCI online early table of contents: Jan. 4, 2009

Researchers identified a strategy to target human breast cancer stem cells by blocking the protein CXCR1. The approach selectively depleted cancer stem cells in mice xenotransplanted with human breast cancer cells, leading to reduced tumor growth and metastasis. This finding provides hope for women with breast cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 4, 2010

Depleting breast cancer-initiating cells by targeting the protein CXCR1

A recent study identifies CXCR1 as a crucial protein in targeting human breast cancer stem cells. Inhibiting this protein selectively depletes the cancer stem cell population, leading to reduced tumor growth and metastasis. The findings suggest that strategies targeting CXCR1 may offer a promising approach for treating breast cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 4, 2010

Potential new 'twist' in breast cancer detection

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a protein called Twist that accurately distinguishes stem cells driving aggressive breast cancer from other cancer cells. The protein's presence alone can flag a tumor cell as a breast cancer stem cell, suggesting new potential for early detection and treatment strategies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeoplasia·DateDec 4, 2009

Survival of the healthiest

A new therapeutic approach targets proliferation of cancer cells without affecting normal cells, showing promise for selective eradication of human cancers. Researchers developed a phenanthridine derived polyADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor that efficiently kills breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells untouched.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateNov 4, 2009

Research points to potential chink in cancer's armor

Scientists at the University of York have successfully silenced a gene that appears essential to cancer cell survival, leaving healthy cells unaffected. This discovery suggests that certain genes may be specific to cancer cells, paving the way for the development of new cancer treatments with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 5, 2009

Stem cell 'daughters' lead to breast cancer

A study by Walter and Eliza Hall Institute scientists suggests that luminal progenitor cells, the 'daughters' of breast stem cells, are likely responsible for basal-like breast tumours in women with BRCA1 mutations. The research, published in Nature Medicine, represents a major shift in understanding how breast cancer develops.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 2, 2009

1 gene that contributes to breast cancer's aggressive behavior identified

Researchers at Genome Institute of Singapore identify RCP as a novel breast cancer promoting gene that functionsally contributes to aggressive breast cancer behaviour. Over-expression of RCP is positively correlated with cancer recurrence in patients, and silencing the gene significantly diminishes tumour formation and metastasis.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 20, 2009

Carbohydrate acts as tumor suppressor

Researchers discovered that certain carbohydrates on normal cells and enzymes like β3GnT1 function as tumor suppressors. Upregulation of β3GnT1 reduced tumor activity and metastasis in breast and prostate cancers. The study provides new insights into the role of complex carbohydrates in cancer.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2009

Novel light-sensitive compounds show promise for cancer therapy

Researchers have developed novel compounds that absorb by cancer cells and release nitric oxide upon specific light wavelengths, inducing apoptosis and killing tumor cells. The compounds, called dye-sensitized ruthenium nitrosyls, offer a localized delivery of high concentrations of nitric oxide without causing inflammation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 16, 2009

Targeting breast cancer stem cells in mice

PTEN is often inactivated in breast cancer, leading to poor patient outcomes. Researchers found that a drug called perifosine specifically targets the breast cancer stem cell population by inhibiting the Akt pathway, reducing tumor-forming cells by up to 90%.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 1, 2009

Good fences make good neighbors

The study reveals how a single event can trigger the collapse of molecular fences, leading to the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes and the initiation of tumorigenesis. The researchers discovered that the loss of PARlation marks on CTCF protein allows it to fail to regulate critical genes, including p16 and RASSF1A.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 14, 2009