Wilmot Scientists Get Breast Cancer Coalition Grants to Find Cures
Two scientists studying causes and potential cures for breast cancer at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center today received $80,000 from the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Grants were awarded to Monica Guzman, Ph.D., senior instructor of hematology/oncology, and Kelley Madden, Ph.D., research assistant professor of Biomedical Engineering.
“It’s very satisfying to partner with local organizations like the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester to further the study of breast cancer cures,” said Richard I. Fisher, M.D., director of the Wilmot Cancer Center and cancer care, Strong Health.
Guzman is a cancer stem cell researcher who focuses on ways to destroy these cells, which are the cells that originate cancer cells that replicate uncontrollably causing tumor growth. Her work in leukemia stem cells has contributed to the creation of a new therapy that will be tested in clinical trials later this year. Leukemia stem cells are likely to be very similar to breast cancer stem cells. Guzman’s BCCR funding will support laboratory testing to see if this new compound, developed from the feverfew plant, will destroy breast cancer stem cells as well.
Madden will study whether there is a relationship between the body’s natural response to stress and breast cancer tumor growth. She will analyze how hormones released during stress contribute to the growth of breast tumors and ways to combat undesirable stress responses in laboratory models.
The James P. Wilmot Cancer Center is the Finger Lakes region’s leader in cancer care and research. The center is raising $42.5 million to expand its programs and construct a new state-of-the-art facility.
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Related Links Outside The Strong Health Web Site ( opens a new window ) http://www.bccr.org
For more media inquiries, contact: Leslie White ( 585 ) 273-1119 leslie_white@urmc.rochester.edu
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