We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
RANDOX LABORATORIES

Download Mobile App




Antiangiogenic Drug Blocks Breast Cancer Metastasis in Mouse Models

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 24 Jun 2015
Print article
Image: Micrograph showing a lymph node invaded by ductal breast carcinoma and with extranodal extension of tumor. The dark purple (center) is lymphocytes (part of a normal lymph node). Surrounding the lymphocytes and extending into the surrounding fat (top of image) is ductal breast carcinoma (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
Image: Micrograph showing a lymph node invaded by ductal breast carcinoma and with extranodal extension of tumor. The dark purple (center) is lymphocytes (part of a normal lymph node). Surrounding the lymphocytes and extending into the surrounding fat (top of image) is ductal breast carcinoma (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
Cancer researchers have identified a potential drug target in preclinical studies that by being blocked prevented breast cancer metastasis in several mouse models.

Investigators at Lund University (Sweden) worked with multiple mouse models of breast cancer as well as analyzing tumor samples from 768 patients in a population-based, nested case-control study. Results were combined with breast cancer gene-expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (Bethesda, MD, USA), a comprehensive and coordinated effort to accelerate the understanding of the molecular basis of cancer through the application of genome analysis technologies, including large-scale genome sequencing.

The combination of a computational biology approach with mechanism-based preclinical trials described in a paper published in the June 15, 2015, issue of the journal Cancer Research enabled the investigators to identify inhibitors of activin-like receptor kinase (ALK) 1 as effective agents for blocking formation of new blood vessels and metastasis in breast cancer. Pharmacologic targeting of ALK1 with the drug dalantercept provided long-term therapeutic benefit in mouse models of mammary carcinoma, accompanied by strikingly reduced metastatic colonization as a monotherapy or in combination with the chemotherapeutic drug docetaxel.

Dalantercept is a novel antiangiogenic agent, which is a soluble form of ALK1, and acts as a ligand trap for the bone morphogenetic proteins BMP 9 and BMP 10, inhibiting their interaction with ALK1.

Gene-expression analysis of breast cancer specimens from a population-based nested case–control study encompassing 768 subjects defined endothelial expression of ALK1 as an independent and highly specific indicator of metastatic potential. ALK1 expression correlated with the expression of well-known endothelial markers, and higher levels of ALK1 expression were an independent prognostic factor for poor survival in breast cancer patients.

Senior author Dr. Kristian Pietras, professor of molecular medicine at Lund University, said, "We are investigating the role of ALK1 protein expressed by endothelial cells in promoting metastatic dissemination from primary breast tumors. Our results suggest that the presence of high levels of ALK1 in the breast tumor vasculature is a prognostic biomarker for metastatic disease. Moreover, our work encourages clinical testing of drugs blocking ALK1 in breast cancer with prevention of metastatic dissemination as the primary outcome. We are currently performing therapeutic studies with dalantercept in models of breast cancer in order to pinpoint the precise therapeutic regimen and disease stage at which the treatment is the most effective."

Related Links:

Lund University
The Cancer Genome Atlas


New
Gold Member
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
Unit-Dose Packaging solution
HLX
New
Incubator
HettCube 120
New
Flu Test
ID NOW Influenza A & B 2

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The bowel cancer breakthrough could result in better treatment outcomes (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New RNA Molecules Can Help Predict Bowel Cancer Return Recurrence

Colorectal cancer accounts for 10% of all cancer-related deaths worldwide and was ranked as the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States in 2022. Currently, clinicians face diagnostic... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: QScout CBC will give a complete blood count in 2 minutes from fingerstick or venous blood (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

Next Gen CBC and Sepsis Diagnostic System Targets Faster, Earlier, Easier Results

Every hour is critical in protecting patients from infections, yet there are currently limited tools to assist in early diagnosis before patients reach a hospital. The complete blood count (CBC) is a common... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

High-Accuracy Bedside Test to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Five Minutes

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a significant global issue that is worsening as the number of joint replacements increases due to aging populations. In the United States alone, the anticipated... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image

AI-Based Method Shows Promise for Pathological Diagnosis of Hereditary Kidney Diseases

Alport syndrome is a hereditary kidney disorder characterized by kidney dysfunction, sensorineural hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. Early in the disease, patients experience hematuria, which is... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.