Possible Link to Stopping the Spread of Breast Cancer

First thing, Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day to all of you out there.

Now on to some good news in the world of Breast Cancer research. Researchers at the McGill University Health Centre have identified a protein that plays a role in spreading breast cancer tumor cells outside of the initial tumor cells. The protein, parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), is key in cancer initiation, progression, and metastatic spread.

Once scientists removed this hormone from tumors, they marked up to an 80 to 90 percent decrease in the size of a tumors growth. It doesn't necessarily reduce the size once it has progressed, but it does reduce the size that it can grow to, essentially preventing it from spreading or growing in size.

The researchers have produced an monoclonal antibody that eliminates the PTHrP, which has worked so far in mice. This will pave the way for future human clinical trials. Eventually, this will help those with aggressive tumors that do not respond well to radiation and/or chemotherapy.

Absorb the story at this locale:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110125959.htm