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August 9, 2007
| Understanding Breast Cancer: Thunder Bay
scientists research successes.
The Northern Cancer Research Foundation is proud to
announce a grant of $120,000 for continued breast cancer
research at Regional Cancer Care and the Northern Ontario
School of Medicine. The research focuses on the role
of BRCA1 (BReast CAncer susceptibility gene 1), the
first gene to have been identified as being involved
in the development of breast, ovarian and prostate cancers.
Recipient and lead researchers Drs. Mary Lynn Tassotto,
Neelam Khaper and Margaret Anthes are thrilled to share
their research with the community.
One in nine women will develop breast cancer in her
lifetime. While we have the highest 5 year survival
rates in Ontario here in Northwestern Ontario, research
is still essential to understanding the disease, the
fastest ways to diagnosis, most effective and least
harmful treatment and one day – a cure. |
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“We are very proud
of our research scientists – both here at Regional
Cancer Care and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.
Collaborative research like this is essential,”
said Susan Pilatzke, Director of Clinical Oncology
Systems, RCC. “Research is a priority –
especially at the molecular level. These scientists
will be well aligned with the soon-to-be operational
Molecular Medicine Research Centre.”
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Dr. Mary Lynn Tassotto is Post-Doctoral Research
Fellow with Regional Cancer Care and has been engaged
in BRCA1 research since 2002, in collaboration with
the Northwestern Ontario Regional Genetics Program.
“This specific project builds on research
funded by the NCRF in 2004/05 that seeks to understand
BRCA1’s role – if any - in the chemotherapy
response of individuals with hereditary breast and
ovarian cancer. This new study focuses on how BRCA1
expression can impact a patient’s response
to oxidative stress resulting from exposure to therapeutic
radiation, for patients with both hereditary and
sporadic breast cancer.”
Dr. Tassotto beams when she talks about her research.
“I am working with amazing colleagues in my
hometown (Thunder Bay). Our research is made possible
by the support of the people of Northwestern Ontario.
I couldn’t be happier to raise my family and
enjoy the quality of life and unique professional
opportunities we have here.”
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Recent research has suggested that BRCA1 responds to DNA
damage by participating in many cellular processes –
including protecting cells against oxidative stress. Oxidative
stress refers to the total burden of potentially harmful reactive
oxygen species (ROS) present in cells. Oxidative stress mediated
by ROS has been implicated as a contributory factor of many
cancers, including breast.
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Dr. Neelam Khaper, Assistant
Professor, Division of Medical Sciences, Northern
Ontario School of Medicine, brings a wealth of research
experience to this project. “We are looking
forward to recruiting patients to participate in this
study with the involvement of Dr. Anthes,” commented
Dr. Khaper. “Our hypothesis is that altered
expression of BRCA1 in breast cancer patients affects
the response to oxidative stress following exposure
to radiation therapy. We will study 3 groups of patients
– patients with BRCA1 mutations (who may or
may not have developed cancer), current breast cancer
patients without BRCA1 mutations and healthy individuals
with no history of breast cancer.”
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Since BRCA1 plays important roles in DNA repair, this gene
may be important in both the development of breast cancer
and the response to therapy used to manage the disease –
in this case, radiation therapy.
Dr. Tassotto noted that they are ready to begin recruiting
participants for the study and are looking to the community
for healthy participants to act as controls. If individuals
are interested, they can contact Dr. Tassotto directly at
684-7280.
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To date, the NCRF has provided
over $278,000 to Dr. Tassotto’s research projects.
“Research – especially breast cancer research
– generates excitement in our labs as well as
our community,” said Kevin Holloway, Chair of
the Grants Committee and Board of Directors member
for NCRF.
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The Northern Cancer Research Foundation is proud to be 100%
Northern. 100% of funds donated to the NCRF stay in Northwestern
Ontario. Our goal is to improve patient care, further research
and stimulate education and awareness for every community
in Northwestern Ontario.
BRCA1
Research Background
TBRHSC
Research Fact Sheet
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