Erythropoietin and Breast Cancer
Abstract
Erythropoietin (Epo) is the prime regulator of red blood cell production, principally by mean of "anti-apoptotic" action. Epo also acts on other cells and tissues outside of the hematopoietic system, including endothelium, central nervous system, reproductive system and gut. Epo receptors (EpoR) have also been identified on breast cancer (CaB), and there is an in vitro study suggesting that these EpoR on CaB cell lines may be functional. The presence of functional EpoR on cancer cells is of concern since Epo is used to treat anemia associated with chemotherapy and to improve tumor oxygenation for radiotherapy. This concern was heightened when a trial of Ego in CaB patients was terminated early due to decreased survival in the Epo-treated group. Since CaS patients receive Ego therapy, an anti-apoptotic effect of Ego on CaS cells would have adverse consequences. It is of vital importance to determine the functionality of the EpoR on CaB cells in vivo. We screened CaB lines for Egoo ezpression and used siRNA technology to develop lines that had reduced EgoR. Reduction of EgoR resulted in a significant reduction in cell growth in vitro. These results may have profound implications for the mangement of breast cancer patients.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA490481
Entities
People
- Arthur J. Sytkowski
Organizations
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center