The Effects of Dexamethasone on Breast Cancer and Chemotherapeutic Treatment
Standing
Undergraduate
Type of Proposal
Oral Research Presentation
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Lisa Porter
Proposal
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women and is the second leading cause of death by cancer in Canadian Women. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for approximately 15% of all breast cancer diagnoses. Unlike other breast cancer subtypes, it does not express well-defined molecular targets, such as hormone receptors, that allow targeted treatment. TNBCs are therefore treated with cocktails of potent cytotoxic chemical therapies. Chemotherapy treatment often causes adverse side effects such as hypersensitive reactions, nausea, and vomiting, which are combatted with synthetic glucocorticoids, such as Dexamethasone (Dex). It is of clinical significance to understand the impact Dex has on breast cancer behavior and how it influences chemotherapy treatment response. This literature review compiles data that investigates the impact of Dex on breast cancer through experimental design and clinical studies. It was found that administration of Dex promotes cell survival and metastasis in some breast cancer subtypes. It is important to understand the effects of glucocorticoids on breast cancer cell biology and the interaction with chemotherapeutic agents, which can help lead to alternative therapeutic strategies and improved patient outcomes.
Availability
March 29th 12-3 April 1 12-3
The Effects of Dexamethasone on Breast Cancer and Chemotherapeutic Treatment
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women and is the second leading cause of death by cancer in Canadian Women. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for approximately 15% of all breast cancer diagnoses. Unlike other breast cancer subtypes, it does not express well-defined molecular targets, such as hormone receptors, that allow targeted treatment. TNBCs are therefore treated with cocktails of potent cytotoxic chemical therapies. Chemotherapy treatment often causes adverse side effects such as hypersensitive reactions, nausea, and vomiting, which are combatted with synthetic glucocorticoids, such as Dexamethasone (Dex). It is of clinical significance to understand the impact Dex has on breast cancer behavior and how it influences chemotherapy treatment response. This literature review compiles data that investigates the impact of Dex on breast cancer through experimental design and clinical studies. It was found that administration of Dex promotes cell survival and metastasis in some breast cancer subtypes. It is important to understand the effects of glucocorticoids on breast cancer cell biology and the interaction with chemotherapeutic agents, which can help lead to alternative therapeutic strategies and improved patient outcomes.