Dr. Tonetti Studies the Role of Lobular Involution in Breast Cancer
Molecular Evidence for the Role of Lobular Involution in
Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer
Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer
Although a completed pregnancy at a relatively young age reduces the risk of breast cancer over the long-term, numerous epidemiological studies find that all women experience an increased risk for breast cancer during pregnancy, and for a considerable time afterwards. These pregnancy-associated breast cancers (PABCs) also carry a higher risk of metastasis and death than breast cancers among women who have never been pregnant, and the elevated risk persists for up to 10 years post-partum. Since the risk of PABC is higher in older first-time mothers, the impact of this problem on the overall breast cancer picture is already large and will increase in most developed countries as trends towards delayed first and last childbirth continue.
Our research is investigating the hypothesis that changes that occur in the breast at the termination of breast-feeding, a process called involution, may allow for breast cancer to become more aggressive. This study is focused upon specific involution–associated events such as inflammation, tissue remodeling and new blood vessel formation in the manifestation of PABC. To achieve our goals, we are characterizing these processes in biopsies from patients exhibiting PABC in comparison to breast cancer biopsies from women that were never pregnant. In addition, we are examining normal breast tissue from women of the same age that either have never been pregnant or had previous pregnancies.
The results of this project will help us to understand the mechanisms behind PABC and will indicate potentially effective prevention strategies for women at high risk, such as use of anti-inflammatory agents. In addition, more effective therapeutic approaches may be developed based on the specific molecular pathways involved. Both prevention and treatment of PABC will assume increasing importance in the years ahead as more women enter the susceptible age group and trends continue towards older age at first and last pregnancy.
Research Team:
Principle Investigator
Debra A. Tonetti, Ph.D., (Associate Professor, Biopharmaceutical Sciences, COP)
Co-Investigators
Elizabeth L. Wiley, M.D. (Professor, Pathology, COM)
Peter H. Gann, M.D., Ph.D. (Professor, Pathology, COM)
André Balla, M.D., Ph.D. (Professor, Pathology, COM)
Craig Beam, Ph.D. (Professor, Biostatistics, SPH)
Collaborators
Dr. Mimis Cohen, M.D. (Professor, Surgery, COM)
Dr. Seema Khan, M.D. (Professor, Surgery, Northwestern University)
Dr. Nilanjana Banerji, Ph.D. (Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN)