Connection is Found between Protein and Prognosis in Breast Cancer
OHSU Cancer Institute researchers have found that a tumor protein present in an aggressive form of breast cancer is related to a poor prognosis. The presence of the protein, growth factor receptor-bound protein-7 (GRB-7), in breast cancer tumors is strongly related to the growth and spread of the cancer, according to principal investigator Shiuh-Wen Luoh, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine (hematology/medical oncology), OHSU School of Medicine, and OHSU Cancer Institute member. The GRB-7 protein previously has been shown to be important to cell communication in the spread of cancer. The GRB-7 gene is located close to the HER-2/Neu gene that regulates breast cancer growth. Luoh's team discovered that the levels of GRB-7 protein are often heightened at the same time that HER-2/Neu levels are high. The research was presented at the annual American Association for Cancer Research meeting in San Diego.
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