Novel Postpartum Liver Biology Has Implications for Breast Cancer Liver Metastasis
Abstract
Women diagnosed with breast cancer within 10 years of a completed pregnancy are 2~3x more likely to develop liver metastases thannever-pregnant (nulliparous) patients, even after controlling for prognostic variables. This finding suggests a unique biology in thepostpartum liver, a putative pre-metastatic niche, which makes postpartum patients more susceptible to liver metastases. Here we tackle theproblem of defining the liver-breast cancer tumor cell niche in models of postpartum breast cancer and explore relevance to women, layingthe foundation for rational drug design to treat metastatic BrCa to the liver. In rodent models, we previously reported increased liver size,hepatocyte proliferation, and anabolic metabolism during pregnancy and lactation. Within one week post-weaning, the rodent liver returnedto its pre-pregnant size via a coordinated cell death and tissue remodeling process we call liver involution.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1143198
Entities
People
- Pepper J Schedin
Organizations
- Oregon Health & Science University