Cancer Biomarkers: What can they tell us

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Public release date: 12-Dec-2008

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-12/aafc-bwc120208.php

Contact:

.moore@...

American Association for Cancer Research

Biomarkers: What can they tell us

SAN ANTONIO - As cancer researchers move away from the general use of

chemotherapy and into more targeted approaches, scientists are working

to discover effective ways to measure response and risk. Data presented

at the CTRC-AACR San Breast Cancer Symposium illustrate the

cutting edge of biomarker discovery and development.

Reductions in Breast Density Predict Potential Benefit of Tamoxifen

Abstract #61, Jack Cuzick, Ph.D.

A reduction in breast density of at least 10 percent may predict who

benefits from the breast cancer preventive effects of tamoxifen.

Researchers studied 1,063 women and found that those with reduced breast

density after 12 to 18 months of treatment had a 52 percent reduced risk

of breast cancer. By contrast, those women who did not have a decrease

in breast density had only an eight percent risk reduction.

Full release available/Complete data to be presented at the meeting

Poor Prognosis on Small, HER2 Positive Tumors

Abstract #701, Ana M. -Angula, M.D

Although current guidelines call for no further therapy after surgery on

breast tumors one centimeter or smaller, a new study suggests that if

these tumors are HER2 positive patients have an increased risk for

relapse. In the largest study of its kind to date (n=1,315, including a

validation set), researchers found that the five-year recurrence rate

was 23 percent among patients with small HER2-positive tumors, compared

with eight percent in other tumor types.

Full release available/Complete data to be presented at the meeting

New Genetic Modeling Improves Screening

Abstract #502, Kathie Dalessandri, M.D.

A new genetic model based on 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms may

improve the ability to predict risk of developing breast cancer.

Researchers found that in a high-risk population from Marin County,

California, this model improved diagnostic accuracy by 51 percent

compared to classic risk factors alone.

Full release available/Complete data to be presented at the meeting.

New Biomarker Predicts Anthracycline Response

Abstract #45, Bartlett, Ph.D.

The presence of chromosome 17 polysomy effectively predicted which

patients would benefit from adjuvant anthracycline chemotherapy.

Researchers analyzed 1,625 samples from NEAT (National Epirubicin

Adjuvant Trial) and found that those patients with C17 polysomic tumors

had significantly greater benefit from epirubicin than those without,

even when taking HER2 status into consideration. Researchers suggest

that this may explain the apparent association of anthracycline

sensitivity and HER2 status which is located on this chromosome.

Complete data to be presented at the meeting.

Biomarkers May Not Identify Proper Chemotherapy Treatment

Abstract # 705, Angelo Di Leo, M.D., Ph.D.

Chemotherapy treatment selection based on biomarkers may not yet be a

valuable practice. Prior studies have suggested that HER2 and

topoisomerase II (TOP2A) might predict sensitivity to particular

chemotherapy agents. An interim analysis shows that HER2 and TOP2A have

a clinically modest and statistically borderline predictive value.

Full data to be presented at the meeting.

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The mission of the CTRC-AACR San Breast Cancer Symposium is to

produce a unique and comprehensive scientific meeting that encompasses

the full spectrum of breast cancer research, facilitating the rapid

translation of new knowledge into better care for breast cancer

patients. The Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) at The University

of Texas Health Science Center at San , the American Association

for Cancer Research (AACR), and Baylor College of Medicine are joint

sponsors of the San Breast Cancer Symposium. This collaboration

utilizes the clinical strengths of the CTRC and Baylor, and the AACR's

scientific prestige in basic, translational and clinical cancer research

to expedite the delivery of the latest scientific advances into the

clinic. The 31st Annual Symposium is expected to draw more than 8,500

participants from more than 80 countries.

--

ne Holden, MS, RD

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