Breast cancer pilot projects begin at University of Hull

Two pilot research projects at the University of Hull aim to develop new diagnostic tests and potential treatment options for breast cancer. 

The projects have been made possible thanks to grants worth £40,000 (£20,000 each) awarded by breast cancer research charity Breast Cancer Campaign. It is the first time the charity, which exclusively funds research into breast cancer, has supported work at the University.

When breast cancer enters its advanced stages, cells from the tumour can escape into the bloodstream and travel around the body. Some of these cells can then colonise bones and other organs, leading to the growth of secondary tumours. This is called metastasis, and nearly all cancer-related deaths are as a result of this process.

Now, two University of Hull researchers are hoping to increase understanding of this devastating stage of the disease, potentially helping to develop new diagnostic tools and treatment options for patients affected by breast cancer.

The projects will be carried out by the labs of Dr Justin Sturge and Dr Isabel Pires, who both work in the School of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences. 

Dr Sturge's research will focus on a molecule called Endo180, which plays an important role in helping cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body, especially the bones. 

He said: "When cancer cells enter bone, they need space to grow, so they block some of the normal repair mechanisms that help keep our bones strong and healthy.

"We already know that levels of Endo180 are significantly elevated in patients who have breast cancer that has spread to bone. These levels then appear to decrease when patients with breast cancer are given drugs called bisphosphonates. 

"What we want to do now is investigate precisely how changes in the levels of Endo180 affect the ability of bone to repair and protect itself. Using this information, we believe it might be possible to develop a simple test for patients with breast cancer that will tell clinicians 'what the disease is doing' or 'what the disease is going to do next'." 

Dr Sturge's team have also developed two new molecules that can bind to Endo180, blocking certain roles in the cell.

He added: "If we can target Endo180 and successfully treat breast cancer in the bone, this would be a major advance in current treatment options for these patients."

Dr Isabel Pires has also been awarded a Breast Cancer Campaign grant for her pilot study. Dr Pires is interested in what happens in a tumour just before the cancer cells start to spread (before they become 'metastatic'). 

She said: "As tumours become more advanced, they can develop regions of low oxygen; this is called 'hypoxia'. We think this stage in tumour development is particularly important, as the presence of hypoxic regions has been correlated with poor prognosis, increased resistance to cancer therapy and an increased potential of cancer-spread."

Dr Pires' team has identified an interesting molecule which seems to play a role in how breast cancer cells first become independent and move away from the original tumour, therefore spreading the disease. 

"We believe we've found a new factor that regulates the mobility of breast cancer cells in low oxygen conditions," she said. "Potentially, we may be able to use this as a way to identify which tumours are most likely to spread before it happens. Ultimately, this would allow clinicians to identify patients at greater or lower risk of cancer spread, paving the way to specific treatments and increased overall survival rates."

Breast Cancer Campaign pilot grants are designed to help researchers test new hypotheses and generate preliminary data, which can then be used to support an application for a full project grant. Both Dr Sturge and Dr Pires are now in the initial stages of their respective research projects, which will be carried out over a period of one year.

Katherine Woods, Research Information Manager at Breast Cancer Campaign, said: "Early diagnosis and the effective treatment of breast cancer are crucial if we are to save more lives in the future. As each person's breast cancer is different, it is vital that research continues to improve diagnostic tests and existing treatments, as well as develop more personalised treatment options, to ensure that women can outlive breast cancer and lead a good quality of life. We are delighted to be able to fund these two important grants at the University of Hull and look forward to seeing the results as the research progresses."

More information:
For media enquiries or further information, please contact Nina Beadle or Sian Alexander on 01482 465268 (n.beadle@hull.ac.uk@hull.ac.uk/s.alexander@hull.ac.uk).
About the University of Hull

The University of Hull was originally established as University College Hull in 1927, before becoming England’s fourteenth university upon the grant of a Royal Charter in 1954.

Today the University is a vibrant and ambitious institution with more than 16,000 students from over 100 countries. Its six faculties offer teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, including health, business, social sciences, the performing arts, education, science and engineering.

The University’s research has helped shape the world through ground-breaking discoveries such as stable liquid crystals – now used worldwide in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) for smartphones, computer screens and televisions – and the first ultrasound scanner for detection of osteoporosis. Its alumni are another source of far-reaching influence, and can be found in positions of responsibility in a wide range of fields across the globe.

The University prides itself on providing an outstanding student experience. 90% of its students were satisfied with the quality of their course overall according to the 2013 National Student Survey, a score which puts the University in equal tenth place out of mainstream English higher education institutions. Its Students’ Union was crowned Higher Education Students’ Union of the Year at the National Union of Students Awards 2012.

To find out more about how you could be inspired in Hull visit: www.hull.ac.uk
Twitter: @UniOfHull
Facebook: facebook.com/universityofhull

The University of Hull has launched iHull, a mobile application that gives students and visitors access to a range of information about studying at the University. The app is available for iPhone/iPad and Android™ devices and as mobile web pages. You can download the app at hull.ombiel.co.uk/get

About Breast Cancer Campaign:

• Breast Cancer Campaign seek out the best research, bringing the brightest minds together sharing knowledge to produce better, quicker results to overcome and outlive breast cancer
• On 1 October, Breast Cancer Campaign launched the Gap Analysis 2013, which is the most rigorous analysis of the gaps in scientific knowledge and treatment for breast cancer that has ever been undertaken. The analysis identifies gaps that, if addressed, will help us overcome – prevent, cure and outlive - breast cancer.
• Help us find the cures sets out the actions Breast Cancer Campaign will take to address the gaps, as a leading research charity and in collaboration with others. www.breastcancercampaign.org/o … lp-us-find-the-cures
• The Breast Cancer Campaign Tissue Bank, the UK’s first ever national breast cancer tissue bank is a unique collaboration with four leading research institutions to create a vital resource of breast cancer tissue for researchers across the UK and Ireland. Visit breastcancertissuebank.org
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and accounts for nearly one in three of all cancers in women
• In the UK, around 50,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year - that’s around 138 a day.
• Visit breastcancercampaign.org or follow us at twitter.com/bccampaign

For further information about the charity please contact Isabel Monk, PR & Celebrity Officer, 0207 749 3724, imonk@breastcancercampaign.org

Provided by University of Hull