Dietary Prevention of Breast Cancer
Abstract
The purpose of Academic Award was to allow me to appraise critically the state of dietary prevention of breast cancer and to forge new avenues of investigation in the field of nutrition. These new avenues were achieved through studies that examined the role of diet during periods of rapid mammary cell proliferation, such as fetal life, puberty and pregnancy, in influencing breast development and breast cancer risk. In addition, studies were done in human populations to investigate whether the data obtained using animal models apply to women. Dietary factors that were the focus of these studies were polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytoestrogens, and alcohol. Special emphasis was given to identify their mechanisms of action. In particular, the role of the two estrogen receptor isotypes (ER-alpa and ER-beta), tumor suppressor genes BRCA1 and p53, and eicosanoid pathways (cyclooxygenase 2, COX-2) in mediating the effects of PUFA, phytoestrogens and alcohol, were assessed. These studies are also on-going. In women, intermediate biomarkers of breast cancer risk will be studied in the nipple aspirate fluid (NAF). During the finding period, I developed a course to address critical nutritional issues in breast cancer as a new initiative to the existing Tumor Biology graduate program at the Georgetown University, Department of Oncology. Finally, I received a planning grant from NCI to put together a program project proposal (US 4) to investigate interactions among diet, genes and cancer. The U54 proposal was submitted in July 2002, and is currently under review.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA412994
Entities
People
- Leena A. Hilakivi-clarke
Organizations
- George Washington University