Mammary Cell News Volume 3.38 | Sep 29 2011

LABORATORY RESEARCH

Estrogen Receptor (ESR1) mRNA Expression and Benefit from Tamoxifen in the Treatment and Prevention of Estrogen Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer 
Researchers used gene expression profiling and estrogen receptor protein assays to help elucidate molecular mechanism(s) responsible for tamoxifen resistance in breast tumors. [J Clin Oncol] Abstract

Reduced miR-128 in Breast Tumor-Initiating Cells Induces Chemotherapeutic Resistance via Bmi-1 and ABCC5
Lentivirus-mediated microRNA (miR)-128 transduction was performed in breast tumor-initiating cells, enriched by mammosphere cultures or CD44⁺CD24^– FACS (Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting). [Clin Cancer Res] Abstract

G1P3, an Interferon- and Estrogen-Induced Survival Protein Contributes to Hyperplasia, Tamoxifen Resistance and Poor Outcomes in Breast Cancer
Here investigators elucidate G1P3, a survival protein induced by interferons, as a target of estrogen signaling and a contributor to poor outcomes in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. [Oncogene] Abstract

The BMP2/7 Heterodimer Inhibits the Human Breast Cancer Stem Cell Subpopulation and Bone Metastases Formation
Here, scientists studied the effects of bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP7), BMP2 and a BMP2/7 heterodimer on the formation of human breast cancer stem cells (ALDH^hi/CD44^hi/CD24^−/low) and bone metastases formation in a preclinical model of intra-cardiac injection of MDA-MB-231 cells in athymic nude mice. [Oncogene] Abstract

Heterogeneity in MYC-Induced Mammary Tumors Contributes to Escape from Oncogene Dependence
Researchers made use of a Myc-inducible transgenic mouse model of breast cancer in which elimination of Myc activity following tumor development initially leads to a regression of a subset of tumors generally followed by de novo Myc-independent growth. [Oncogene] Abstract

CD49f and CD61 Identify Her2/Neu-Induced Mammary Tumor-Initiating Cells That Are Potentially Derived from Luminal Progenitors and Maintained by the Integrin–TGFβ Signaling
Through systematic screening and characterization, investigators identified that surface markers CD49f, CD61 and ESA were aberrantly overexpressed in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-overexpressing mammary tumor cells. [Oncogene] Abstract

Generation of Tumor Initiating Cells by Exogenous Delivery of OCT4 Transcription Factor
Herein, scientists describe the generation of tumor initiating cell-like cell lines by ectopic expression of the OCT4 transcription factor in primary breast cell preparations. [Breast Cancer Res] Abstract

CLINICAL RESEARCH

Determining True HER2 Gene Status in Breast Cancers with Polysomy By Using Alternative Chromosome 17 Reference Genes: Implications for Anti-HER2 Targeted Therapy
This study tests the hypothesis that the use of alternative chromosome 17 reference genes might more accurately assess true HER2 gene status. [J Clin Oncol] Abstract

Phase I Trial of Adoptive Cell Transfer with Mixed-Profile Type-I/Type-II Allogeneic T Cells for Metastatic Breast Cancer
This Phase-I translational study evaluated adoptive transfer of ex vivo-costimulated Type-I/Type-II donor T cells with T-cell-depleted allogeneic stem-cell transplantation for metastatic breast cancer. [Clin Cancer Res] Abstract

T-DM1 Significantly Improved Progression-Free Survival Compared to Standard of Care for Previously Untreated HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer
ImmunoGen, Inc. announced findings from the first randomized clinical trial conducted with trastuzumab emtansine (also known as T-DM1). [Press release from ImmunoGen, Inc. discussing research presented at the 2011 European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress, Stockholm] Press Release

Breast Cancer Tumor Make-Up Changes Through the Course of Disease
New research has found that breast cancer tumors change their hormonal status throughout the course of disease, whereas the decision about the most effective treatment for the patient is usually only based on one biopsy of the primary tumor. [Press release from ScienceDaily discussing research presented at the 2011 European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress, Stockholm] Press Release

New Hope for Advanced Post-Menopausal Breast Cancer Patients Resistant to Hormonal Therapy
Results from a phase III clinical trial have shown that combining two existing cancer drugs to treat post-menopausal women with advanced breast cancer resistant to hormonal therapy significantly improves outcome. [Press release from ScienceDaily discussing research presented at the 2011 European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress, Stockholm] Press Release

Radiotherapy Between or During Chemotherapy Cycles Reduces Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence
A major UK trial has produced firm evidence that giving radiotherapy between or during chemotherapy cycles to women with early breast cancer significantly reduces the risk of the cancer recurring in the breast or chest wall. [Press release from EurekAlert! discussing research presented at the 2011 European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress, Stockholm] Press Release

Bone Drug Is Mixed Blessing for Breast Cancer Patients
The AZURE trial has revealed that the bisphosphonate drug zoledronic acid boosts disease-free survival in postmenopausal breast cancer patients but may have an adverse effect on younger women. [Press release from The University of Sheffield discussing research presented at the 2011 European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress, Stockholm] Press Release

Cedars-Sinai and Vanderbilt Scientists Named 2011 Brinker Award Winners for Scientific Distinction
Two prominent physician-scientists whose work has led to less invasive and more personalized treatments for breast cancer are being honored as this year’s winners of the prestigious Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Brinker Awards for Scientific Distinction in basic science and clinical research. [Susan G. Komen for the Cure] Press Release

Advocates and Scientists for Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Named “Champions of Change”
Five outstanding advocates and scientists associated with Susan G. Komen for the Cure® have been named “Champions of Change” by the White House for their contributions to ending suffering from breast cancer. [Susan G. Komen for the Cure] Press Release

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grants More Than $6 Million to Michigan Scientists for New and Novel Breast Cancer Research
Researchers at six Michigan institutions will receive more than $6 million for significant new research into treatments for aggressive forms of breast cancer and methods to detect breast cancer earlier, with funding announced by Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. [Susan G. Komen for the Cure] Press Release

Hershey Scholar Receives $459,000 Cancer Research Fellowship
Yan Cheng, a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Pharmacology at Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, has been awarded $459,000 from the U.S. Department of Defense. [Penn State Hershey College of Medicine] Press Release

$1.6 Million Awarded to Support Collaborative Breast Cancer Study of African-American Women at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey
The Cancer Institute of New Jersey is expanding its current research efforts as part of a new consortium of four studies in African-American women. [The Cancer Institute of New Jersey] Press Release

International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) Leads Roundtable with Major US Payors, Healthcare Providers and Industry to Initiate a Collaboration to Address Cell Therapy Product Reimbursement
In keeping with its mission to drive the commercialization of cell therapy products and advance global patient access, ISCT hosted its second event this year in its Commercial Development Series, this time focusing on the timely issue of reimbursement for cell therapy and regenerative medicine products in the US market. [International Society for Cellular Therapy, United States] Press Release

President Obama Honors Outstanding Early-Career Scientists
President Obama named 94 researchers as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. [President Barack Obama, United States] Press Release

National Institutes of Health (United States)

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

NEW 4th Annual Maryland Stem Cell Research Symposium
October 6, 2011
Baltimore, United States

NEW 5th Advances in Stem Cell Discovery and Development
October 19-21, 2011
San Diego, United States

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the mammary cell community.

Lab Technologist – Tissue Culture (STEMCELL Technologies)

Research and Development Technologist, hPSC Media (STEMCELL Technologies)

Scientist (iPSC) (STEMCELL Technologies)

Contract Assay Service Technologist (STEMCELL Technologies)

Research Fellow in Breast Cancer Research (Monash University)

Postdoctoral Fellow in Breast Cancer (Indiana University School of Medicine)

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