May 20, 2015

Targeting inflammation to combat breast cancer

Epidemiological and clinical research suggests a strong association between inflammation and breast cancer development. Therefore, targeting the process of inflammation is an attractive new intervention strategy for combating breast cancer.

Jun Wang - QEII — Dr. Jun Wang, QEII Health Sciences, Halifax

One of the inflammatory molecules observed in advanced cancer patients is called interleukin 17, and interleukin17-producing cells are also observed in breast cancer patients. Dr. Jun Wang’s research team at Dalhousie University is currently working on novel therapies to modify interleukin 17 signals in various mouse models of breast cancer. Each model represents a clinical scenario to specifically address whether targeting interleukin 17 is beneficial to breast cancer patients.

The specific questions include: (1) whether or not interleukin 17 targeted-therapies can prevent breast cancer growth and metastasis and why, and (2) can interleukin 17 targeted-therapies be used in combination with other conventional therapies to treat breast cancer patients. The overall goal is to identify a safe and effective way to treat breast cancer patients through modifying interleukin 17 signals.

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