Karmanos Cancer Institute Researchers Provide New Hope for Breast Cancer Treatment

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
www.karmanos.org.

SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute

Patricia A. Ellis of Karmanos Cancer Institute, +1-313-576-8629, Cell:
+1-313-410-3417