Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Physical Activity And Breast Cancer In South Carolina, Chisom Onyeuku

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the relationship between breast cancer incidence and recreational physical activity. It was one of the first studies in the southeastern US to examine incident breast cancer and physical activity in an ethnically diverse cohort of women. In terms of physical activity, both lifetime and recent physical activity were analyzed. All physical activity data were from validated self-reported surveys. The study examined BMI, menopausal status and race as key confounders and effect modifiers. The study found evidence that for Black women, there was a positive relationship between the amount of lifetime physical activity and the odds of incident …

The Effect Of All-Trans Retinoic Acid And Fatty Acids On Mcf-7 Breast Cancer Cell Progression, David Brown

David C. Brown

Vitamin A metabolites and retinoids may slow the progression of breast cancer and elicit anti-neoplastic properties similar to those of omega-3 fatty acids. Studies using animal models show a decrease in the incidence, growth and metastisis of mammary tumors in the presence of specific fatty acids. This effect is also seen with use of retinoids, specifically all-trans retinoic acid (AtRA). Thus, fatty acids may also alter retinoid homeostasis in mammary carcinoma cells (MCF-7s). The potential for inter/co dependency among fatty acids and retinoids is considerable, and here it has been hypothesized that a decrease in cancer progression will occur in …

Hdac6 Activity Is A Non-Oncogene Addiction Hub For Inflammatory Breast Cancers, Preeti Putcha, Jiyang Yu, Ruth Rodriguez-Barrueco, Laura Saucedo-Cuevas, Patricia Villagrasa, Eva Murga-Penas, Steven N. Quayle, Min Yang, Veronica Castro, David Llobet-Navas, Daniel Birbaum, Pascal Finetti, Wendy A. Woodward, Francois Bertucci, Mary Alpaugh, Andrea Califano, Jose Silva

Faculty Scholarship for the College of Science & Mathematics

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most lethal form of breast cancers with a 5-year survival rate of only 40 %. Despite its lethality, IBC remains poorly understood which has greatly limited its therapeutic management. We thus decided to utilize an integrative functional genomic strategy to identify the Achilles’ heel of IBC cells.

The Effects Of Ketorolac And Its Enantiomers On Breast Cancer Proliferation And Metastasis, Amanda Peretti

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in women. Advanced breast cancer can metastasize to the lungs, liver, bones and brain becoming fatal conditions for many patients. There is a dire need for metastasis preventing medications, however the process required for a medication to become FDA approved for clinical use is long and arduous. Studies have found promising benefits for breast cancer patients given ToradolTM, or racemic ketorolac, as an NSAID during resection surgery. However, long-term use of racemic ketorolac is not recommended. Currently FDA-approved for use in the racemic form, ketorolac has the potential to …

Targeting Oncogenic Mirnas With Small Molecules For Breast Cancer Therapy, Paloma Del C. Monroig

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

The crucial role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer pathobiology has driven the introduction of new drug development approaches such as miRNA inhibition. In order to advance miRNA-therapeutics, there is a need to develop screening strategies that can target tumors in a specific way. Small molecule inhibitors represent an attractive approach to pursue this. However, the absence of molecular structures for most of the miRNAs makes it very difficult to predict which inhibitors can bind to them. Herein we designed a strategy to screen for small molecules by assesing whether they could directly bind/ interact with miR-10b/miR-21. As part of our …

Reduction Mammoplasty In Conservative Breast Surgery In The Early Stage Of Breast Cancer, Ahmed Sabry El-Gammal, Hossamabdalkader Al Efol, Mohamed Ahmed Megahed, Mohamed Kamel Hamed Faris, Shawky Shaker Gad

Menoufia Medical Journal

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the application and clinical outcomes (oncological and cosmetic) following oncoplastic conservative surgery using bilateral reduction mammoplasty in conjunction with breast conservation therapy for esthetic purposes. Background Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. Until recently, breast surgery could provide only two options for early-stage breast cancer: either modified radical mastectomy or segmental excision, followed by radiation, but the latter causes breast deformities. Reduction mammoplasty is used as a conservative breast surgery with excision of a large volume of tissue without compromising the cosmetic outcome. Patients and methods We …

Assessment Of Breast Cancer Treatment Delay Impact On Prognosis And Survival: A Look At The Evidence From Systematic Analysis Of The Literature, Faustine Williams

Faustine Williams

Obesity-Induced Inflammation In Human Mammary Tissue: A Potential Microenvironment Favorable To The Development Of Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Via The Wnt Signaling Pathway, Agathe A. Roubert

Masters Theses

In the United States, over one third of adult women are obese, and one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Obesity has been shown to be a risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer and is associated with increased aggressiveness and poor prognosis regardless of menopausal status. However, the mechanisms involved in the relationship between obesity and breast cancer are still not fully understood. Wnt signaling is often elevated in breast tumors (~60%) and is suspected to play a key role in cancer development. It has been shown that inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, …

Breast Cancer Rehabilitation: Clinical Examination And Outcomes Assessment, Nicole L. Stout, Shana Harrington, Lucinda Pfalzer, Mary Insana Fisher

Mary Insana Fisher

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the United States. The treatment for breast cancer occurs along a protracted time period and includes many different disease treatment modalities. These treatments carry with them a large number of adverse effects that negatively impact function in both the short term and long term. It is necessary for rehabilitation providers to interface with patients being treated for breast cancer throughout the continuum of care so that interval assessments can be conducted to identify emerging impairments and alleviate disability. To achieve this, the rehabilitation provider must have an understanding of …

A Meta-Analysis Of Incidence And Risk Factors Of Trastuzumab-Induced Cardiotoxicity In Breast Cancer, Zeeshan Ali Jawa, Ruth M. Perez, Lydia Garlie, Maharaj Singh, Rubina Qamar, Bijoy K. Khandheria, Arshad Jahangir, Yang Shi

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Background: A monoclonal antibody, trastuzumab targets the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) oncogene that is overexpressed in 25–30% of breast cancers. In combination with first-line therapy, trastuzumab resulted in significant improvement in survival outcomes for those with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Due to its improvement in outcome and prolonged survival, trastuzumab has been established as standard of care in both adjuvant and metastatic settings. However, along with common adverse events, trastuzumab has been found to be associated with cardiotoxicity. An estimated 1–4% of patients treated with trastuzumab will develop heart failure and ~10% of patients will experience a …

Does The Expression Of Ki-67, P16 And Cox-2 At Initial Diagnosis Of Breast Atypia Or Usual Ductal Hyperplasia Predict A Second Clinically Significant Event?, Judy A. Tjoe, Philippe Gascard, Jianxin Zhao, Gary F. Neitzel, Maharaj Singh, Brittany Last, James Marx, Thea Tlsty, Sanjay Kansra

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Background: Women diagnosed with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) or atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) have a fivefold increased risk of developing breast cancer. Because ADH/ALH can be precursors or predictive markers of a subsequent clinically significant event (SCSE), i.e. atypia, in situ or invasive carcinoma, the clinical outcome for these patients ranges anywhere from remission to invasive malignancy. Currently we cannot predict which atypical breast lesion is likely to be associated with future cancer, resulting in aggressive management and, possibly, overtreatment. Kerlikowske et al. reported that a combination of three biomarkers (cell cycle regulator p16INK4a, proliferation antigen Ki-67 and stress response …

Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Perioperative Care For Breast Cancer Patients At A Patient Hotel Versus A General Surgical Ward, Madleen Anna Camilla Huzell, Johan Frisack, Kristina Dalberg

Patient Experience Journal

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women in Europe and the US. The aim of this study was to assess whether perioperative care, for breast cancer patients, provided at a patient hotel could be an alternative to the conventional care in an ordinary surgical ward. The study focuses solely on the patients’ experience of the provided care with a primary outcome that perioperative care at the patient hotel would be valued better than care in a general ward. Prospective, randomized single centre study. Between 2010 and 2012 a total of 151 patients < 80 years and without severe comorbidities were included in the trial, whereof 76 patients were randomised to the ward group and 75 patients to the hotel group. Five patients were excluded from each group. The validated IN2005-E questionnaire was used to evaluate the patients’ experiences of the care. The response rate was high with 65 patients answering the IN2005-E in each group. No difference could be found between the two groups regarding patient characteristics, type of surgery or tumour characteristics. The patients generally perceived the quality of the provided care as high. However, in the hotel group there was a better experience of care regarding issues such as coordination, privacy, some aspects of medical information, availability and the courtesy of the nurses. For selected patients, perioperative care at a patient hotel is an appreciated alternative to care at a surgical ward.

Clinical Data Related To Breast Reconstruction; Looking Back On The 21th Century And Forward To The Next Steps, Jecan Cristian Radu, Hernic Alexandru Daniel, Filip Iulia Cristina, Răducu Laura

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery represents a positive step in restoring a women’s idea of self by reestablishing her feminine features and confidence, thus improving essential aesthetic and emotional aspects. Regarded as the cornerstone in breast cancer management, the surgical treatment has come a long way since 1884 when W.S. Halsted performed the first radical mastectomy- a disfiguring procedure which was conducted until the late 70s when owing to contemporary advancements it was surpassed by modified radical mastectomies and other far less invasive approaches.

Either performed in an immediate or a delayed fashion breast reconstruction can be achieved not …

Integrated Bioinformatics, Environmental Epidemiologic And Genomic Approaches To Identify Environmental And Molecular Links Between Endometriosis And Breast Cancer, Deodutta Roy, Marisa L. Morgan, Changwon Yoo, Alok Deoraj, Sandhya Roy, Vijay Kumar Yadav, Mohannad Garoub, Hamza Assaggaf, Mayur Doke

Department of Biostatistics Faculty Publications

We present a combined environmental epidemiologic, genomic, and bioinformatics approach to identify: exposure of environmental chemicals with estrogenic activity; epidemiologic association between endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) and health effects, such as, breast cancer or endometriosis; and gene-EDC interactions and disease associations. Human exposure measurement and modeling confirmed estrogenic activity of three selected class of environmental chemicals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), bisphenols (BPs), and phthalates. Meta-analysis showed that PCBs exposure, not Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, increased the summary odds ratio for breast cancer and endometriosis. Bioinformatics analysis of gene-EDC interactions and disease associations identified several hundred genes that were altered by …

Male Breast Cancer Prognostic Factors Versus Female Counterparts With Propensity Scores And Matched-Pair Analysis, Edward Yu, Larry Stitt, Olga Vujovic, Kurian Joseph, Avi Assouline, Jawaid Younus, Francisco Perera, Patricia Tai

Edward Yu

Objective: To assess the effect of prognostic factors and their impact on survival in male and female breast cancer. Methods: Medical records for men and women diagnosed with breast cancer referred to the cancer center for treatment were reviewed. Patients with distant metastatic diseases were excluded. Data on prognostic factors including age, nodal status, resection margin, use of hormonal therapy, chemotherapy with and without hormone and radiation therapy (RT), survival, and recurrence were analyzed. Survival estimates were obtained using Kaplan-Meier methodology. The Cox regression interaction was used to compare male and female differences in prognostic factors. Male breast cancer (MBC) …

Real-Time Detection Of Breast Cancer Cells Using Peptidefunctionalized Microcantilever Arrays, Hashem Etayash, Keren Jiang, Sarfuddin Azmi, Thomas Thundat, Kamaljit Kaur

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Ligand-directed targeting and capturing of cancer cells is a new approach for detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Ligands such as antibodies have been successfully used for capturing cancer cells and an antibody based system (CellSearch®) is currently used clinically to enumerate CTCs. Here we report the use of a peptide moiety in conjunction with a microcantilever array system to selectively detect CTCs resulting from cancer, specifically breast cancer. A sensing microcantilever, functionalized with a breast cancer specific peptide 18-4 (WxEAAYQrFL), showed significant deflection on cancer cell (MCF7 and MDA-MB-231) binding compared to when exposed to noncancerous (MCF10A and HUVEC) cells. …

Breast Cancer-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Characterization And Contribution To The Metastatic Phenotype, Toni M. Green, Mary L. Alpaugh, Sanford H. Barsky, Germana Rappa, Aurelio Lorico

Faculty Scholarship for the College of Science & Mathematics

The study of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cancer progression is a complex and rapidly evolving field. Whole categories of cellular interactions in cancer which were originally presumed to be due solely to soluble secreted molecules have now evolved to include membrane-enclosed extracellular vesicles (EVs), which include both exosomes and shed microvesicles (MVs), and can contain many of the same molecules as those secreted in soluble form but many different molecules as well. EVs released by cancer cells can transfer mRNA, miRNA, and proteins to different recipient cells within the tumor microenvironment, in both an autocrine and paracrine manner, causing a …

Breast Cancer Rehabilitation: Clinical Examination And Outcomes Assessment, Nicole L. Stout, Shana Harrington, Lucinda Pfalzer, Mary Insana Fisher

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the United States. The treatment for breast cancer occurs along a protracted time period and includes many different disease treatment modalities. These treatments carry with them a large number of adverse effects that negatively impact function in both the short term and long term. It is necessary for rehabilitation providers to interface with patients being treated for breast cancer throughout the continuum of care so that interval assessments can be conducted to identify emerging impairments and alleviate disability. To achieve this, the rehabilitation provider must have an understanding of …

Interpretation Of Mutations, Expression, Copy Number In Somatic Breast Cancer: Implications For Metastasis And Chemotherapy, Stephanie Dorman

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Breast cancer (BC) patient management has been transformed over the last two decades due to the development and application of genome-wide technologies. The vast amounts of data generated by these assays, however, create new challenges for accurate and comprehensive analysis and interpretation. This thesis describes novel methods for fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), and next generation DNA- and RNA-sequencing, to improve upon current approaches used for these technologies. An ab initio algorithm was implemented to identify genomic intervals of single copy and highly divergent repetitive sequences that were applied to FISH and aCGH probe design. FISH …

The Role Of Cytoplasmic Polyadenylation Element Binding Protein-2 (Cpeb-2) In Breast Cancer, Asma Hasan

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Over-expression of inflammation associated enzyme cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 promotes breast cancer progression, metastasis and sustains cancer stem-like cells (SLCs) by activating prostaglandin E₂ receptor EP4. Two COX-2 induced oncogenic miRNAs, miR-655 and miR-526b, target and down-regulate the cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein (CPEB)-2. Hypothesis: Down-regulation of CPEB2 promotes an aggressive breast cancer phenotype through SLC induction and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). We found that high COX-2/miRNA expressing cell lines MDAMB231 and MCF7-COX-2 had significantly lower expression of CPEB2 than MCF7 cells (low COX-2/miRNA). CPEB2 knockdown in CPEB2-high MCF7 cell line resulted in increased migratory and invasive capacity in …

Optimization Of Chest Wall Hyperthermia Treatment Using A Virtual Human Chest Model, Dario B. Rodrigues, Mark D. Hurwitz, Paolo F. Maccarini, Paul R. Stauffer

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

This work explores different coupling configurations (direct contact, air and water coupling) between a single 915 MHz waveguide applicator and human tissue in the setting of chest wall recurrence (CWR) of breast cancer. The objective is to treat chest wall tumours with microwave hyperthermia, while avoiding hot spots in critical areas such as scars and ribs. The best coupling configuration was a customized 24×29 cm water bolus developed by our team. It helps the applicator deliver an effective field size of 268 cm2 at 1 cm depth and a penetration depth of 2-3 cm. Water bolus thickness can be adjusted …

Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation Reduces The Incidence Of Brain Metastasis In A Mouse Model Of Metastatic Breast Cancer, Daniel L. Smith

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) is a preventative whole-brain irradiation technique used to reduce the incidence of brain metastasis and improve overall survival in select patients with small cell lung cancer and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A population of breast cancer patients – stage IV, HER2+ or triple-negative – has emerged as having a high risk of developing brain metastases. Because only 10-20% of breast cancer patients diagnosed with brain metastases survive longer than one year, in this high-risk population the benefit of PCI – potential for reduced incidence of brain metastasis and improved overall survival – may outweigh the risks – …

Rural-Urban Difference In Female Breast Cancer Diagnosis In Missouri, Faustine Williams, Stephen Jeanetta, David J. O'Brien, John L. Fresen

Faustine Williams

Sex Hormone-Dependent Trna Halves Enhance Cell Proliferation In Breast And Prostate Cancers., Shozo Honda, Phillipe Loher, Megumi Shigematsu, Juan P. Palazzo, Ryusuke Suzuki, Issei Imoto, Isidore Rigoutsos, Yohei Kirino, Phd

Computational Medicine Center Faculty Papers

Sex hormones and their receptors play critical roles in the development and progression of the breast and prostate cancers. Here we report that a novel type of transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived small RNA, termed Sex HOrmone-dependent TRNA-derived RNAs (SHOT-RNAs), are specifically and abundantly expressed in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer and androgen receptor (AR)-positive prostate cancer cell lines. SHOT-RNAs are not abundantly present in ER(-) breast cancer, AR(-) prostate cancer, or other examined cancer cell lines from other tissues. ER-dependent accumulation of SHOT-RNAs is not limited to a cell culture system, but it also occurs in luminal-type breast cancer patient tissues. …

A Comparison Of Upper Extremity Function Between Female Breast Cancer Survivors And Healthy Controls: Typical Self-Report Of Function, Motion, Strength, And Muscular Endurance, Mary Insana Fisher

Mary Insana Fisher

Many women who have experienced breast cancer (BC) report continued impairments in upper extremity (UE) function beyond the time required for normal healing after surgical treatment. Most research supporting this has not made comparisons between survivors of breast cancer (BCS) to a sample of healthy women. This lack of comparison to a healthy cohort prevents an understanding of whether continued deficits in UE function are due to normal aging or the BC treatment. The purpose of this research was to compare quality of life (QOL) and UE function among long term breast cancer survivors and similar aged women without cancer. …

Effects Of Yoga On Arm Volume Among Women With Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema: A Pilot Study, Mary Insana Fisher, Betsy Donahoe-Fillmore, Laura Leach, Colleen O'Malley, Cheryl Paeplow, Tess Prescott, Harold L. Merriman

Mary Insana Fisher

Lymphedema affects 3–58% of survivors of breast cancer and can result in upper extremity impairments. Exercise can be beneficial in managing lymphedema. Yoga practice has been minimally studied for its effects on breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of yoga on arm volume, quality of life (QOL), self-reported arm function, and hand grip strength in women with BCRL. Six women with BCRL participated in modified Hatha yoga 3×/week for 8 weeks. Compression sleeves were worn during yoga sessions. Arm volume, QOL, self-reported arm function, and hand grip strength were measured at …

The Power Of Empowerment: An Icf-Based Model To Improve Self-Efficacy And Upper Extremity Function Of Survivors Of Breast Cancer, Mary Insana Fisher, Dana Howell

Mary Insana Fisher

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among women. Breast cancer treatments often negatively impact the function of the arm, and quality of life and upper extremity function does not always return to a prediagnosis level. Survivors of breast cancer may also experience feelings of diminished self-efficacy related to functional deficits resulting from their physical limitations. The International Classification of Functioning (ICF) provides a framework for rehabilitation practitioners to address physical and psychological impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. Patient outcomes may be improved by fostering self-efficacy through empowerment. This paper explores how the ICF model and …

Nitric Oxide-Releasing Aspirin Suppresses Nf-Κb Signaling In Estrogen Receptor Negative Breast Cancer Cells In Vitro And In Vivo, Niharika Nath, Mitali Chattopadhyay, Deborah B. Rodes, Anna Nazarenko, Ravinder Kodela, Khosrow Kashfi

Publications and Research

Estrogen receptor negative (ER(−)) breast cancer is aggressive, responds poorly to current treatments and has a poor prognosis. The NF-κB signaling pathway is implicated in ER(−) tumorigenesis. Aspirin (ASA) is chemopreventive against ER(+) but not for ER(−) breast cancers. Nitric oxide-releasing aspirin (NO-ASA) is a safer ASA where ASA is linked to an NO-releasing moiety through a spacer. In vitro, we investigated anti-proliferation effects of NO-ASA (para- and meta-isomers) against ER(−) breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-23, effects on NF-κB signaling, and reactive oxygen species by standard techniques. In vivo, effects of NO-ASA were evaluated in a mouse xenograft model …

Providing Compassion Through Flow, Lydia Royeen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Meg Kral, MS, OTR/L, CLT, is the cover artist for the Summer 2015 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. Her untitled piece of art is an oil painting and is a re-creation of a photograph taken while on vacation. Meg is currently supervisor of outpatient services at Rush University Medical Center. She is lymphedema certified and has a specific interest in breast cancer lymphedema. Art and occupational therapy serve similar purposes for Meg: both provide a sense of flow. She values the outcomes, whether it is a piece of art or improved functional status.

Willingness To Test For Brca1/2 In High Risk Women: Influenced By Risk Perception And Family Experience, Rather Than By Objective Or Subjective Numeracy?, Talya Miron-Shatz, Yaniv Hanoch, Benjamin A. Katz, Glen M. Doniger, Elissa M. Ozanne

Dartmouth Scholarship

Genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer can help target prevention programs, and possibly reduce morbidity and mortality. A positive result of BRCA1/2 is a substantial risk factor for breast and ovarian cancer, and its detection often leads to risk reduction interventions such as increased screening, prophylactic mastectomy and oophorectomy. We examined predictors of the decision to undergo cancer related genetic testing: perceived risk, family risk of breast or ovarian cancer, and numeracy as predictors of the decision to test among women at high risk of breast cancer. Stepwise regression analysis of survey responses from 459 women registered in the …