April 17, 2007
AACR On Site Contact: Catherine Donnelly
 

BUFFALO, NY – The development of new anticancer therapies may be advanced by identifying the TGF-beta1 regulated molecules responsible for tumor angiogenesis and tumor invasion, according to a study by Andrei Bakin, PhD, Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) at the 2007 centennial meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), April 14-18, in Los Angeles, CA.

“TGF-b1 Signaling Enhances Tumor Angiogenesis and Metastasis” Embargoed until Tuesday, April 17, 11:10 am PST

Room 404 A-B, Los Angeles Convention Center

The ability of tumors to invade and to build tumor blood vessels is a major factor in tumor growth and spread. TGF-beta1 is a secreted protein factor that inhibits growth in normal cells and suppresses cancer at early stages. Paradoxically, however, TGF-beta1 is found at high levels in advanced tumors, where it plays a critical role in metastasis. The duel function of TGF-beta1 is a major hurdle in developing anticancer therapies against TGF-beta1.

This study identified specific factors regulated by TFG-beta1 in tumor cells that contribute to angiogenesis and metastasis and identified specific MAP kinases that are required for this TGF-beta1 function. Novel approaches for suppression of TGF-beta1 will be examined to prohibit tumor angiogenesis and metastasis.

Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research is the world’s oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research. Members include more than 24,000 basic, translational and clinical researchers, health care professionals and cancer survivors and advocates in the United States and more than 60 other countries.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. Roswell Park has affiliate sites and collaborative programs in New York, Pennsylvania, and in China. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org.

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