(Press-News.org) Cancer drugs of the new, molecular generation destroy malignant breast tumors in a targeted manner: They block characteristic molecules on tumor cells - receptors for the hormones estrogen or progesterone, or a co-receptor, called HER2, that binds to many growth factors. But about one in every six breast tumors has none of these receptors. Such cancers, called triple-negative, are particularly aggressive and notoriously difficult to treat.
Some of these therapy-resistant cancers have a potential molecular target for cancer drugs, a growth-factor receptor called EGFR, but an EGFR-blocking drug has proved ineffective in treating them. In a study published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Weizmann Institute researchers propose a potential solution: to simultaneously treat triple-negative breast cancer with two EGFR-blocking antibodies instead of one. In a study in mice, the scientists showed that a certain combination of two antibodies indeed prevented the growth and spread of triple-negative tumors. The research team, led by Prof. Yosef Yarden of the Biological Regulation Department and Prof. Michael Sela of the Immunology Department, included Drs. Daniela Ferraro, Nade`ge Gaborit, Ruth Maron, Hadas Cohen-Dvashi, Ziv Porat, Fresia Pareja, and Sara Lavi, Dr. Moshit Lindzen and Nir Ben-Chetrit.
Of the different combinations they tried, the scientists found that the approach worked when the two antibodies bound to different parts of the EGFR molecule. The combined action of the antibodies was stronger than would have been expected by simply adding up the separate effects of each. Apparently, the use of the two antibodies created an entirely new anti-cancer mechanism: In addition to blocking the EGFR and recruiting the help of immune cells, the antibodies probably overwhelmed the EGFR by their sheer weight, causing it to collapse inward from the membrane into the tumor cell.
Deprived of EGFR on its surface, the cells were no longer receiving the growth signals, preventing the growth of the tumor. This approach resembles the natural functioning of the immune system, which tends to block essential antigens at several sites by targeting them with multiple antibodies. If supported by further studies, the two-antibody approach, in combination with chemotherapy, might in the future be developed into an effective treatment for triple-negative breast cancer.
###
Prof. Michael Sela is the incumbent of the W. Garfield Weston Professorial Chair of Immunology.
Prof. Yosef Yarden's research is supported by the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation; the M.D. Moross Institute for Cancer Research; the Steven and Beverly Rubenstein Charitable Foundation, Inc.; Julie Charbonneau, Canada; the European Research Council; and the Marvin Tanner Laboratory for Research on Cancer. Prof. Yarden is the incumbent of the Harold and Zelda Goldenberg Professorial Chair in Molecular Cell Biology.
The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, is one of the world's top-ranking multidisciplinary research institutions. Noted for its wide-ranging exploration of the natural and exact sciences, the Institute is home to 2,700 scientists, students, technicians and supporting staff. Institute research efforts include the search for new ways of fighting disease and hunger, examining leading questions in mathematics and computer science, probing the physics of matter and the universe, creating novel materials and developing new strategies for protecting the environment.
Weizmann Institute news releases are posted on the World Wide Web at http://wis-wander.weizmann.ac.il, and are also available at http://www.eurekalert.org.
END
Scientists hope that one day in the distant future, miniature, medically-savvy computers will roam our bodies, detecting early-stage diseases and treating them on the spot by releasing a suitable drug, without any outside help. To make this vision a reality, computers must be sufficiently small to fit into body cells. Moreover, they must be able to "talk" to various cellular systems. These challenges can be best addressed by creating computers based on biological molecules such as DNA or proteins. The idea is far from outrageous; after all, biological organisms are capable ...
Caving in to social pressure — such as saying that you love a movie because friends do — makes for good vibes about being part of a group and can produce more of the same conduct, according to a Baylor University sociological study. The finding has implications for people ranging from philanthropists to gangs, researchers said.
"The punch line is very simple: Conformity leads to positive feelings, attachments, solidarity — and these are what motivate people to continue their behavior," said Kyle Irwin, Ph.D., an assistant professor of sociology at Baylor and lead author. ...
Before they go all-out supernova, certain large stars undergo a sort of "mini-explosion," throwing a good-sized chunk of their material off into space. Though several models predict this behavior and evidence from supernovae points in this direction, actually observations of such pre-explosion outbursts have been rare. In new research led by Dr. Eran Ofek of the Weizmann Institute, scientists found such an outburst taking place a short time – just one month – before a massive star underwent a supernova explosion.
The findings, which recently appeared in Nature, help ...
How to improve communication between parents and children after divorce
Article provided by Law Office of Rebecca Garren Parker Visit us at http://www.rebeccaparkerlaw.com
Most people understand that divorce takes a toll on the finances and emotions of a family. However, some may not realize the burden a divorce can place on communication between family members, including communication between former spouses and between parents and children. By following a few simple tips, everyone can improve communication and help redefine and heal relationships after a divorce.
Communication ...
How parenting plans work in California
Article provided by The Law Offices of Daniel S. Frank Visit us at http://www.danielfrankattorney.com
A parenting plan, also called a custody and visitation agreement, is a written agreement that where and with whom the child of divorcing parents will and defines the times the child will spend with the non-custodial parent. The main purpose of creating a parenting plan is to agree on how to share time with the child and how the parents will make important decisions regarding the child's welfare, such as education and health. ...
Credit Can Be Restored After Bankruptcy
Article provided by Mitchell & Malone Visit us at http://www.mitchellmir.com
In a tough economy, Texas families may find themselves with more debt than they can handle. Filing for bankruptcy is a workable solution for many Texans, but along with the relief that comes with managing debt may come worries about the long-term financial effects of bankruptcy.
Some of those worries are not well founded. In particular, a bankruptcy filing need not permanently ruin a filer's credit, even though the bankruptcy will remain in a ...
California employers gain more control over workplace injury care
Article provided by Atcheson & Kepler Visit us at http://www.workinjury-sandiego.com
Residents of San Diego and other areas in California might be aware that a change in state policy makes a new form of treatment option available to employers in the event of an injury connected to a workers' compensation claim. It may be helpful for employees to be aware of these changes and the implications that they have in terms of medical care provided to injured employees.
What is a medical provider network?
Several ...
Two California News Anchors Fired, Allege Age Discrimination
Article provided by Stratton & Green, ALC Visit us at http://www.sglawcorp.com
William Schechner and John Lobertini, popular news reporters for KPIX in San Francisco, California, were laid off after CBS required its affiliates to reduce their budgets by 10 percent. The two reporters allege that although they were experienced and performed their jobs well, they were fired based solely on the fact that they were older than most other reporters.
If these allegations are true, KPIX would be in violation ...
Can an LLC Offer Tax Benefits to Texas Business Owners?
Small business owners know that one of the most important decisions they have to make when starting their businesses is under which business entity to operate. Many people in Texas know that a limited liability company can protect the business owner from being personally liable for the company's debts, meaning that the business owner will not lose his or her personal property should the business amass debts it cannot pay. However, people may not be aware that LLCs can provide business owners with significant tax ...
Getting a mortgage after bankruptcy is possible in most cases
Article provided by Pearman Law Firm, P.C. Visit us at http://www.debtfreedenver.com/
Because of the recession, many Americans have filed bankruptcy in recent years. However, once the bankruptcy process has been completed, many people are unsure of how to begin the process of rebuilding credit.
This is understandable. Bankruptcies remain on credit reports for up to 10 years, which can cause your credit score to be low. As lenders rely on your credit score to determine your eligibility for a loan or a ...
