A Targeted Alpha-Particle Radiopharmaceutical for Bone Metastatic Breast Cancer
Abstract
Breast cancer arises from cells that line the glands and ducts of the breast. When a patient?s disease is confined to the breast, a patient?s prognosis for long-term survival is excellent. However, when cancer spreads (metastasizes) from the breast to the bone, survival rates decline by 70%. Breast cancer bone metastasis is incurable and painful, since cancer cells irritate sensory nerves inside the bone as these tumors grow. In addition, the bone pain associated with breast cancer bone metastasis has been linked to a decreased quality of life and shorter survival. Unfortunately, current treatments for bone metastases provide only temporary, symptomatic relief. This project will develop a new therapeutic strategy for treating bone metastatic breast cancer. We specifically address the Fiscal Year 2018 Breast Cancer Research Program overarching challenge to ?Eliminate the mortality associated with metastatic breast cancer.? The goal of this proposal is to target the interaction between cancer cells and sensory nerves, using targeted radioactive therapies that destroy the bone metastasis but are not harmful to normal tissue, thus reducing the risk of harmful side effects. To accomplish this, we will use our innovative mouse models that enable us to measure cancer bone pain, tumor growth, and nerve distraction ? all in the same animal. Our studies will shed light on bone metastases from a new and untested perspective, by targeting the interactions that occur between cancer and nerve cells. This work will inform new treatment strategies to address both cancer-related bone pain and bone metastatic progression and could be a breakthrough for breast cancer patients with bone metastases. If successful, our project could lead to a clinically feasible treatment strategy that would improve the quality of life for cancer patients with bone metastases and could be available to patients within the next decade.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 05, 2019
- Source ID
- W81XWH1910045
Entities
People
- Yusuke Shiozawa
Organizations
- United States Army
- Wake Forest University