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.

Survey: Cancer Care Navigation in Canada

Breast Cancer Canada has launched a national survey to better understand how cancer care navigation is experienced across the country, from both the patient and

Meet Anayra

Anayra Goncalves is a PhD student in the Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology at WesternUniversity. She is conducting BCC-funded breast cancer research under the

Understanding BRCA2

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Canada. While age remains the strongest risk factor, inherited genetic mutations also play an

Meet the Researcher: Nitara Fernando

Nitara Fernando is a PhD student in the Department of Medical Biophysics at Western University. She is conducting BCC-funded breast cancer research under the mentorship

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