THE JOHNS HOPKINS ONCOLOGY CENTER TIP SHEET TO THE 91ST ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CANCER RESEARCH
April 1-5, 2000 San Francisco
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL TIME OF PRESENTATION OR NEWS BRIEFING.
To arrange interviews, or for more information, please contact Vanessa Wasta (phone: 410-955-1287; pager 410-283-0274; [email protected].
This information tip sheet highlights research news from Johns Hopkins that are the subject of presentations or are ongoing issues that provide context for presentations at the annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research.
ADVANCES IN BREAST CANCER
Flame-Broiled Food Linked to Breast Cancer Risk:
In a study of 110 cases, and 113 matched controls, Hopkins researchers found that women who ate flame-broiled food more than two times a month significantly increased their risk for breast cancer. The scientists report that when meat is cooked in direct heat, such as flame-broiling, for long durations, it causes the production of carcinogens known as heterocyclic amines or HCA. Breast cancer risk was further increased in those women who already had genetic risk factors, including alterations of the gene NAT2, involved in the activation of HCA, or alterations of GSTM1, GSTP1, and/or GSTT1, which may detoxify the carcinogens produced by flame-broiling. The risk of breast cancer in the genetically predisposed group rose only among women who ate flame-broiled food. *Embargoed for release until news briefing on Monday, April 3, 11 a.m., PDT; Abstract # 5114
Carotenoids May Protect Against Breast Cancer:
Investigators at Johns Hopkins have found that types of nutrients known as carotenoids may protect against the development of breast cancer. Carotenoids are contained in many fruits and vegetables especially green leafy vegetables. The researchers studied the association between a variety of micronutrients -- substances the body requires in small amounts- including retinal, retinal palmitate, gamma-tocopherol, alpha-tocopherol, lutein, cryptoxamin, lycopene, and the carotenoids alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and total carotene, and subsequent development of breast cancer. The study was conducted among 295 women in Washington County, Md., who had donated blood for a serum bank in 1974 and again in 1989. While data revealed that other micronutrients had some protective properties, carotenoids were the only ones shown to protect significantly against breast cancer. These findings provide information that may be useful in developing breast cancer prevention strategies. *Embargoed for release until news briefing on Monday, April 3, 11 a.m., PDT; Abstract # 5114
New Intraductal Injection Technique for Tamoxifen May Prevent Toxicities:
Hopkins researchers have developed a new method for delivery of the breast cancer drug Tamoxifen that may significantly reduce toxic side-effects. While Tamoxifen has been shown to be an effective agent in the treatment of breast cancer and in reducing its incidence in high-risk women, long term use results in a variety of adverse effects, including endometrial cancers. The Hopkins animal study explores a new intraductal injection technique to allow repeated administration of higher, localized doses of Tamoxifen without causing systemic toxicity. *Embargoed for release until presentation on Sunday, April 2, 3:00 p.m., PDT, in Exhibit Hall B-C, Section 16; Abstract #1273
Common Molecular Genetic Alteration Uncovered:
Hopkins researchers have uncovered a significant molecular alteration in breast cancer. Increased or hypermethylation (a cellular punctuation mark with the ability to turn genes on or off) of a gene known as 14.3.3 sigma (F) was detected in 91 percent of the breast cancers studied, causing the gene to be turned off. The breast cancer cells lacking F expression due to hypermethylation of the gene were found to have an increased accumulation of chromosomal breaks and gaps when exposed to radiation. The researchers believe that alteration of this gene leads to breast cancer by inhibiting cell cycle checkpoints, thereby allowing genetic defects to accumulate without being detected. The investigators believe that the methylated 14.3.3 sigma gene is a potential target for novel therapeutic strategies, including using drugs to demethylate the gene and turn on its expression. These findings indicate that hypermethylation and the resulting loss of 14.3.3 sigma gene expression are the most consistent molecular alterations identified in breast cancer to date. *Embargoed for release until presentation on Sunday, April 2, 1:30 p.m., PDT; Abstract #484
Molecular Diagnosis for Prostate Cancer:
Investigators at Johns Hopkins report a novel molecular approach to detect genetic alterations linked to prostate cancer in urine. Hypermethylation (a cellular punctuation mark with the ability to turn genes on or off) of a specific gene called GSTP1 is a common and early genetic alteration occurring in prostate cancer. This alteration is found in the majority of prostate cancers, but is absent in normal tissue. The researchers studied GSTP1 methylation-positive prostate tumors and urine samples obtained from 22 prostate cancer patients. DNA from prostate cancer cells shed in the urine were isolated and examined for GSTP1 alterations. Six of the samples were positive for GSTP1 methylation. Although the researchers were only able to detect GTSP1 methylation in a third of the urine samples, they demonstrated, for the first time, that molecular diagnosis of prostate cancer is feasible. * Embargoed for release until presentation on Sunday, April 2, 8 a.m., PDT, in Exhibit Hall B-C, Section 14; Abstract #241
New Prostate Cancer Drug:
Hopkins researchers have reported promising results against prostate cancer in the study of a new anticancer compound known as ABT-627. 50 out of 131 patients completed the 12-week, multi-center, randomized, Phase II study of the compound, which works by blocking endothelin, a protein believed to be involved in the development and progression of prostate cancer. In those that received ABT-627, the rate of rise of PSA stayed constant, and improvement in biologic markers was observed. ABT-627 was well tolerated and displayed anticancer activity in the patients examined. *Embargoed for release until presentation on Tuesday, April 4, 1:30 p.m., PDT, in Room 256; Abstract #3470
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