First Meeting of Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Prevention Research
Initiative Taking Place July 10-11 in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading breast cancer researchers
from across the country are convening in San Francisco July 10-11 for the
first meeting of the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Prevention Research
Initiative. The two-day meeting, taking place at the Westin St. Francis,
brings together researchers from leading institutions who are focused on
the remarkable research in breast cancer biomarkers that has taken place
over the last three years. The goal is to use the latest biomarker
knowledge to develop new tests for the earliest detection and diagnostics
in breast cancer -- ultimately leading to monitor the earliest changes in
healthy breasts before cancer occurs.
Current breast cancer screening relies primarily on imaging, including
mammography, ultrasound and MRI. While these diagnostic modalities provide
the opportunity for detection and successful treatment, the aim of the new
Avon Foundation-funded research initiative is to pursue non-imaging
techniques that offer compelling and innovative opportunities. In support
of this novel direction, 12 projects were selected through a competitive
application process, with a total of $7.6 million awarded in support of
their research. The projects, which are focused on fairly simple but
effective methods, range from developing a new "band-aid" dipstick that
collects fluid from nipple discharge to several projects that attempt to
measure markers in blood to detect the very earliest breast cancer
development.
The leaders of the research projects are meeting to present preliminary
findings and share ideas in a spirit of collaboration and a shared
commitment to ending breast cancer. Included is one pharmaceutical company,
A&G Pharmaceutical, in addition to the individual medical researchers.
"The Avon Foundation is proud to support these researchers in their
innovative approaches to breast cancer detection and prevention," stated
Marc Hurlbert, PhD, Director of the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade.
"Our goal is to advance research that will one day eradicate breast cancer
and, at the same time, facilitate collaboration and sharing. This meeting
is a part of that critical process."
The funded researchers and their research initiatives include:
Kim Baltzell, PhD, University of California San Francisco
Viruses in breast fluid as possible biomarkers for breast cancer
David Gilley, PhD, and Hiromi Tanaka, PhD, Indiana University
Telomere dysfunction markers for breast cancer detection
Bassem Haddad, MD, Georgetown University
Improving the diagnostic power of ductal lavage for early detection of
breast cancer by assessing multiple molecular markers in the same specimen
Sam Hanash, MD, PhD, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Validation of an autoantibody signature for breast cancer
Gary Johanning, PhD, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Breast cancer screening by assessing serum HERV-K antibodies and RNA
Celina Kleer, MD, University of Michigan
Enhancer of Zeste2 as a biomarker of preneoplastic progression in the
breast
Susan Love, MD, Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation
Development of a breast fluid test to identify women at risk for breast
cancer
Emanuel Petricoin, PhD, George Mason University
Phosphopeptide biomarkers for early breast cancer detection in women
with mammographically occult cancer
Ginette Serrero, PhD, A&G Pharmaceutical
Development of GP88 serum test for early breast cancer diagnosis
Charles Streckfus, DDS, MA, FAOM, University of Texas Health Sciences
Center at Houston
Identifying biomarkers for breast cancer detection in saliva
Sara Sukumar, PhD, Johns Hopkins / Seema Khan, MD, Northwestern
Gene methylation and estradiol levels in random FNA samples as
biomarkers of breast cancer risk
Thea Tlsty, PhD, University of California San Francisco
Molecular markers that predict future formation of malignant breast cancer
The Breast Cancer Prevention Research Initiative is one of many
programs of the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade. The Avon Crusade
first launched in 1992, and, through 2007, more than $525 million has been
raised in over 50 countries worldwide to advance access to care and finding
a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on the medically underserved.
Funding is awarded to beneficiaries ranging from leading cancer centers to
community-based nonprofit organizations for breast cancer outreach and
education; screening and diagnostics; access to treatment; support
services; and medical research. The Avon Crusade is the largest initiative
of the Avon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity with a mission to
improve the lives of women, with a focus on breast cancer and domestic
violence. For more information: avonfoundation.org.
Also taking place this week in San Francisco is the sixth annual Avon
Walk for Breast Cancer, a weekend-long, 39-mile walk which will raise
millions more dollars for the breast cancer cause. The Avon Walk San
Francisco, a project of the Avon Foundation, is the sixth of nine Avon Walk
events this year. The first five raised more than $30 million. Initial
grants are awarded to local breast cancer organizations at the conclusion
of each event, ensuring that funds immediately benefit the community, and
additional grants are awarded nationwide throughout the year. The Avon Walk
San Francisco commences early Saturday morning in Golden Gate Park and ends
with a Closing Ceremony back at the same location at 3:00 pm Sunday. The
event is expected to exceed last year's total of $5.6 million raised. For
more information: avonwalk.org.
SOURCE Avon Foundation
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Related links:
http://www.avon.com
http://www.avonfoundation.org http://avonwalk.org
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/079575.html /
CONTACT:
Susan Arnot Heaney, Avon Foundation,
+1-917-209-9518, Susan.heaney@avonfoundation.org
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