Vanderbilt-Ingram scientists release findings at DoD 'Era of Hope' Breast Cancer Meeting

PHILADELPHIA, PENN. (June 10, 2005) -- More than 15 Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center researchers are presenting their study findings at the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Breast Cancer Research Program's "Era of Hope" meeting in Philadelphia, Penn.

The conference June 9-11 brings together scientists, physicians, military representatives and breast cancer survivors to present and discuss the latest scientific research funded by the DoD. To date, Vanderbilt-Ingram researchers have received 49 grants resulting in more than $11 million in funding from the program.

"DoD grants are particularly valuable because they focus on innovation, as well as more conventional research avenues," said Lynn Matrisian, Ph.D., Ingram Professor of Cancer Research and Chair of the Department of Cancer Biology, who will be presenting on "The Tumor Microenvironment" during the meeting. "This conference is an exciting event, because it brings together such a variety of researchers, and it allows us to showcase our work to a very important audience – the advocates, those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer."

Matrisian is one of five Vanderbilt-Ingram researchers serving as a featured speaker or symposium presenter at the gathering. Darryl Bornhop, Ph.D., professor of Chemistry, will speak on "Diagnostic Molecular Imaging: MR and Nuclear Applications for Improving Breast Cancer Detection and Diagnosis," and Todd Giorgio, Ph.D., associate professor of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, will present "Biological Pathway Discovery and Targeted Interference." Bo Lu, Ph.D., assistant professor of Radiation Oncology, will discuss "Arresting Cancer Proliferation through Early Detection and Angiogenic Therapies," and Jin Chen, associate professor of Cancer Biology, will speak on "Identifying and Targeting Biological Mechanisms of Angiogenesis."

Numerous Vanderbilt-Ingramresearchers will present their research findings through posters and abstract presentations. Topics include:

Association of Ginseng Use with Survival and Quality of Life among Breast Cancer Patients

Soy Food Intake, Estrogen Receptor Polymorphisms, and Breast Cancer Survival

A Critical Role of EphA2 Tyrosine Kinase in Breast Tumor Angiogenesis and Metastasis

The Role of NF-KappaB Signaling in Macrophages on Mammary Development and Neoplasia

Simultaneous Profiling of Protein and RNA Expression by Mass Spectrometry in Intact Breast Tissue Samples

Control of C-MYC Function by the Tumor Suppressor P19ARF

Genetic Polymorphisms in the Mangnese Superoxide Dismutase and Glutathione Peroxidase 1 Genes, Antioxidant Intake, and Breast Cancer Risk: A Population-Based Case-Control Study

Regulation of Gene Expression by P63 in Breast Myoepithelial Cells

In Vitro Analysis of Magnetic Field Induced Superparamagnetic Nanoparticle Dynamics in the Extracellular Matrix

Identification of Novel P53 Target Genes in Mammary Epithelial Cells

The Role of EPHA2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinase in Host-Tumor Interactions

Ectodomain Cleavage of ERBB-4, A Receptor Tyrosine-Kinase

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The DoD Breast Cancer Research Program is one of the largest funders of breast cancer research, second only to the U.S. National Cancer Insititute. It was initiated 13 years ago as the result of a grassroots campaign led by the National Breast Cancer Coalition and breast cancer survivors. Vanderbilt-Ingram researchers have received funding from the organization since its inception.

Affiliated with Vanderbilt University and Medical Center in Nashville, the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Tennessee and one of only 39 to earn this highest distinction nationwide. Vanderbilt-Ingram includes a robust multi-disciplinary basic, translational, clinical, and population-based cancer research enterprise as well as state-of-the-art cancer care and clinical trials for adults and children with cancers, and a commitment to the community through cancer education, outreach and information. For more information, visit www.vicc.org.

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