Bulletin

Issue: September 2005

News

Probing cell pathways to understand breast cancer

Two researchers at La Trobe University Bendigo are investigating the role of the hormone oestrogen and oestrogen-like compounds on development and progression of breast cancer.

Dr Terri Meehan-Andrews of the School of Human Biosciences and Dr Chris Bradley of the Department of Pharmacy are examining the intracellular pathways initiated by oestrogen and oestrogen-like compounds which have a similar effect during the development of breast cancer.

They are trying to understand how oestrogens interact with human breast cells to affect either cell death or the production or new breast cells.

Dr Meehan-Andrews says that health statistics show the incidence of breast cancer in Australian women increased by 24 per cent in the 11 years to 2001.

'This increase could be explained by a rising exposure to risk factors, the biggest of which is increased exposure to the female hormone, oestrogens and oestrogen-like compounds mimicking the effects of oestrogens that can be found in our environment.

'To understand the relationship between these compounds and the increasing incidence of breast cancer, research into the ways in which cells respond to oestrogens and oestrogens-like compounds is required.'

Oestrogen is the single name given to a group of hormones of which there are three principal forms in the human body, estrone, estradiol and estriol plus a group of compounds called phytoestrogens - generally found in food - which can have 'estrogens like' effects in the body.

Dr Meehan-Andrews says the mechanism by which these compounds interact with cells is believed to be through interfering with the regulation of the normal cell lifecycle. Normal breast development is controlled by a balance between new cell production and cell death.

'Over recent years strong evidence has emerged indicating tumour growth is not just a result of uncontrolled cell growth but also of reduced cell death.

'Deciphering the intracellular pathways that regulate cell death may highlight important interventions that could be manipulated to maximise and individualise treatment for breast cancer.

'It could also help explain why some tumours fail to respond to certain treatments and indicate alternative treatment regimes.'