Domestic Policy	Press release distributed by PR Newswire

 
 

Karmanos Cancer Institute Researchers Provide New Hope for Breast Cancer Treatment

    Abstract #5637

    DENVER, April 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Scientists from the Barbara
Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit presented data today at the
American Association for Cancer Research's 100th Annual Meeting 2009 that
signifies exciting research advancements in the treatment of the more
aggressive forms of breast cancer.

    (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071106/KARMANOSLOGO)

    Researchers gave an oral presentation about compounds derived from an
FDA-approved drug used for the treatment of alcoholism that could provide
viable treatment options for breast cancer patients.

    Angelika Burger, Ph.D., director of the Translational Research
Laboratory at the Karmanos Cancer Institute and professor of Pharmacology
at Wayne State University, served as principle investigator. Doctoral
candidate Daniela Buac of Wayne State University School of Medicine gave
the oral presentation.

    Researchers from the Karmanos Cancer Institute and Wayne State
University in Detroit, Cardiff University in Great Britain, and the
Sunnybrook Research Institute in Toronto designed a series of compounds
based on Disulfiram (DSF) and found that one of the compounds was more
potent than DSF itself in inhibiting an enzyme that spurs the growth of
breast cancers. More than 50 percent of invasive breast cancers have the
presence of the enzyme that could be treated by the DSF-derived compound.

    "DSF is a very safe drug," said Dr. Burger. "It could be given to
cancer patients alone or in combination with standard therapies used to
treat breast cancers."

    Karmanos scientists are encouraging additional preclinical testing.
They are building upon past research employing the use of DSF in fighting
breast cancers.

    "Another colleague at Karmanos has worked with this drug too and we
already have animal data showing that DSF treatments work," said Dr.
Burger. "I anticipate that we'll collaborate with our breast cancer
clinicians to translate the findings into clinical trials."

    Earlier in the week, Karmanos Cancer Institute researchers presented a
poster that showed pre-clinical, experimental drug combinations provide
real hope to those dealing with the more dangerous, triple-negative forms
of breast cancer.

    "There are many drugs that are being studied," she said. "Down the
road, they might be useful drugs for the treatment of breast cancer. I'm
very excited about the research."

    Located in mid-town Detroit, MI, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer
Institute is one of 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive
cancer centers in the United States. Caring for more than 6,000 new
patients annually on a budget of $216 million, conducting more than 700
cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, the
Karmanos Cancer Institute is among the nation's best cancer centers.
Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 faculty
members, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, the
Institute strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. For
more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to http://www.karmanos.org.