Archive for the ‘Cancer cells’ Category
Progression of breast tumors that overproduction of estrogen receptor
Researchers at Georgetown University (USA) have discovered in mice that a high level of aromatase in breast tissue is more dangerous than the overproduction of estrogen receptors. This finding, published in Cancer Research, may affect prevention strategies for breast cancer.
This study may explain why some women naturally produce an excess of aromatase in the breast have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. In the mouse study, the overproduction of aromatase (which converts testosterone into estrogen) in breast tissue has more involvement in the development of breast cancer that over-production of estrogen receptors, which use hormones to activate mammary cells. In addition, researchers found that mice with excess aromatase also had more estrogen receptors in breast cells.
While current therapies for breast cancer are aimed at both processes, thus inhibiting the aromatase inactivation of estrogen receptor-researchers say this study suggests that aromatase inhibitors may become an option more powerful in preventing cancer in postmenopausal women. Tamoxifen and other drugs that block estrogen receptors, have been used to prevent breast cancer and prevent its recurrence, while aromatase inhibitors have been used until now only as a protector.
“We know that estrogen is the fuel most breast tumors use to grow, and this study shows that the production of more estrogen in the breast, right next to cells that can use this hormone as a fuel, it seems be a trigger key early breast cancer, “says lead researcher, Dr. Priscilla Furth, professor of oncology and medicine at Georgetown Lombardi.
How the cancer cells out of tumors
The research, published in Cancer Cell, claims to have detected a protein identified as JAK, which helps cancer cells to generate the force needed to “move”. The article explains that cancer cells such as muscles contract to forge a path to the body. When the malignant cells affect other organs, metastasis, it becomes more difficult to treat because it allows the appearance of secondary tumors.
It is estimated that 90% of cancer-related deaths occur after metastasis. The Institute of Cancer Research UK believes the study provides new data for understanding how cancer spreads. Scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research UK, who worked on the migration processes of melanoma (skin cancer) found that cells move in two ways.
One is making its way almost elbowed out of a tumor. The other is taking advantage of the tumor itself may be runners so that these cells escape. “Discover how cancer can channel slots through the tissues out of the primary tumors and affect other organs gives scientists new tools to understand how to stop it, literally, getting in his way.
Lesley Walker, Institute of Cancer Research
The lead researcher, Professor Chris Marshall, said that both processes are controlled by the same chemical. “There is something in common: they use force uses the same mechanism, the same molecule called JAK”. JAK, a protein itself does not seem to blame for the cancer, but its expansion.
However, previous research has linked to JAK with leukemia, so that some drugs already being developed to combat it. “Our study suggests that these drugs may also curb the spread of cancer,” says Marshall. “The test will come when you begin to see if any of these agents fails to stop metastasis. We think we can do clinical trials in the next three years.”
Dr Lesley Walker, Institute of Cancer Research (UK), believes that “a huge challenge in successfully treating cancer is to slow down its expansion in the body. “Discover how cancer can channel slots through the tissues out of the primary tumors and affect other organs, gives scientists new tools to understand how to stop it, literally, getting in his way.”