Development of Ligand-Transformed Alpha-Fetoprotein for Use Against Breast Cancer in Humans.

Abstract

There is an isoform of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) that stops breast cancer growth. Our goal is to establish conditions under which this active form can be produced and applied as a breast cancer therapeutic. During the first two years of this grant, we have established these conditions and have shown anti-breast cancer activity with both natural and recombinant human AFP. We have shown that all of the activity resides in the third domain of the molecule and we are in the process of producing in peptide form the active site of the molecule. The active form of the molecule produces a G1s block in the cell cycle. Thus far, estrogen-receptor-positive but not estrogen-receptor-negative tumors have been sensitive to AFP-induced oncostasis. An intermediate marker of activity is an increase in serum estrogen levels and perhaps FSH levels. There has been no evidence of host toxicity during therapeutic application of the active form of AFP.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1996
Accession Number
ADB215864

Entities

People

  • James A. Bennett

Organizations

  • Albany Medical College

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Blood
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Cellular Structures
  • Chemistry
  • Embryos
  • Estrogens
  • Hormones
  • Materials
  • Medical Personnel
  • Molecules
  • Neoplasms
  • Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Oncology (Cancer Research).