Investigating cancer stem cell markers in breast cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating cancer stem cell markers in breast cancer.
IRAS ID
160198
Contact name
Simon Timbrell
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 10 months, 1 days
Research summary
There is increasing evidence that preinvasive/ ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive breast cancer is driven by breast cancer stem cells (CSCs). The ‘cancer stem cell hypothesis’ posits that cancers arise from tissue stem/progenitor cells through the dyregulation of normal self renewal. Studies suggest that these cells are relatively resistant to current therapies (e.g. chemotherapy and endocrine therapy) and are ultimately responsible for disease recurrence. We will use archival breast tissue samples to investigate CSC markers and signalling pathways to discover if they are associated poor recurrence and if they can be used to highlight groups of patients that need additional treatment options.
For example we intend to analyse different cancer stem cell markers including FAK, ALDH-1, p53, CD44, Wnt and associated these with risk of recurrence/survival in DCIS and IDC.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/SW/1170
Date of REC Opinion
28 Nov 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion