2010 Markos Family Breast Cancer Research Grant Recipient
Wei Xu, PhD, Assistant Professor of Oncology,
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Estrogen receptors (ER) come in two forms - alpha and beta. ER-alpha promotes tumor growth while ER-beta blocks it. Drugs (such as tamoxifen and raloxifene) that are generally thought to target ER-alpha have been the standard treatment for breast cancer for years, but they don’t work for all patients. Dr. Xu’s research will involve finding out why the treatment fails and how estrogen receptors can be targeted differently to increase patient survival and reduce mortality. She has identified two naturally occurring compounds that selectively activate ER-beta, and she and her colleagues will evaluate the properties of these compounds to determine if they might prove effective in treating breast cancer. Dr. Xu’s research will reveal novel insights into the mechanisms through which ER alpha and ER beta function and will lay the groundwork for improved clinical approaches to the treatment of breast cancer. [Note: Dr. Xu is also one of only three scientists in the country to have won the 2010 Era of Hope Scholar Award. The award, from the U.S. Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, supports individuals who have high potential for innovation in breast cancer research early in their careers. She will use the $3.6 million grant over five years to further her studies.]
2008 Markos Family Breast Cancer Research Grant Recipient
Adeline Veillet, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Adeline will receive the Markos Family Breast Cancer Research Grant for her work assessing the role of Tenascin C on breast cancer risk. Twin studies suggest that genetic factors account for about 30% of a woman’s risk to develop breast cancer. Building from previous genetics studies looking to pinpoint genes associated with breast cancer risk, Adeline’s research furthers efforts to identify genes associated with breast cancer that will have profound prevention implications.
2006 Markos Family Breast Cancer Research Grant Recipient
Cecilia Bellcross, MS, University of Wisconsin - Madison
The objective of this study is to validate a clinically practical screening tool to identify individuals at potential hereditary risk for breast/ovarian cancer. The tool is designed to maximize the effeciency with which health care providers triage patients to cancer genetics services. The tool will be administered to approximately 3,000 women undergoing mammography at three Dean Health System clinics in Madison. To evaluate the tool's effectiveness, detailed pedigree analysis will be performed on a subset of 300 individuals completing a telephone interview. Application of the tool in primary care will provide an opportunity to improve the identification and management of women at increased risk for breast/ovarian cancer.
