Applied Biosystems

Distinct molecular phenotypes identified for subtypes of early breast cancer

Introduction: Gene expression profiling can define molecular phenotypes of disease. Luminal A and basal-like breast tumor subtypes, for example, show distinct gene expression patterns and clinical outcomes.

Methods: Expression data from 20 biopsies were generated on three platforms: Applied Biosystems Human Genome Survey Microarrays, Stanford cDNA Microarrays, and Agilent Whole Human Genome Oligo Microarrays. Prognostic predictor genes were identified by combining the three data sets, and were verified using TaqMan^® Gene Expression Assays.

Results: All platforms showed different molecular phenotypes for luminal A and basal-like breast tumors. The luminal A signature overrepresented fatty acid metabolism and steroid-hormone mediated signaling. The basal-like signature overrepresented cell proliferation and differentiation, the p21-mediated pathway, and the G1-S checkpoint. 54 prognostic predictor genes were identified.

Discussion: Signature genes revealed that distinct mechanisms might operate in different breast cancer subtypes. Such information may help improve therapeutic strategies.

Address correspondence to Yulie Wang: wangyy@appliedbiosystems.com

For more information visit the Applied Biosystems website.

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AstraZeneca continues to deliver novel therapies to the clinic

AstraZeneca's reputation for developing medicines to improve people's health and quality of life is based on a series of milestones. One of these was the introduction of tamoxifen, which revolutionised breast cancer treatment in the 1970s. Discovered at Alderley Park, UK, tamoxifen was one of the first hormonal therapies for breast cancer.

This breakthrough was followed by the discovery of anastrozole, a non steroidal aromatase inhibitor and fulvestrant, an oestrogen receptor down-regulator for treatment of advanced breast cancer.

Goserelin and bicalutamide were the next hormonal agents to be discovered at Alderley Park. They are now well established clinically in prostate cancer therapy.

The company continues its search for new and innovative medicines in all its therapy areas - cancer and infection, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory and inflammation, and neuroscience. A world-leading drug development pipeline - bringing novel approaches to treatment, such as antibody-based therapeutics, which could offer well tolerated and more effective cancer medicines, in the future, complements the current portfolio.

The 11,900 people within AstraZeneca dedicated to drug discovery and development, are based at six major sites - two in the UK, three in Sweden and two in the USA, plus a number of smaller sites - all reporting into R&D headquarters in Sweden.

For more information visit the AstraZeneca website.

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Genentech

For nearly 30 years, the name Genentech has been synonymous with high-quality, innovative science. The company's emphasis on strong, visionary research combined with an applied, creative focus on unmet medical needs has been instrumental to transforming care for certain patients.

Discovery research at Genentech focuses primarily on three areas of medicine: oncology, immunological disease, and disorders of tissue growth and repair, with a major focus on angiogenic disorders. Genentech scientists are at the forefront of angiogenesis research in their efforts to develop a new generation of cancer therapies, as well as a therapeutic antibody currently being studied in wet age-related macular degeneration, the leading form of age-related blindness in the world. Ongoing study into angiogenesis suggests potential therapeutic implications not only for cancer and blindness, but possibly for heart disease and wound-healing as well.

Genentech's scientists and medical professionals strive to translate basic science into patient benefit. Our experience in developing multiple protein-based products into therapeutics for serious or life-threatening medical conditions, along with our diversity and dedication to research may position Genentech to continue playing a significant role in discovering new treatments.

At Genentech, we are in business for life. For more information on Genentech's research in these areas, please visit the Genentech website.

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Cancer Research UK: Together we will beat cancer

For more than 100 years Cancer Research UK has played a central role in the achievements of the cancer research community. The charity now funds a number of cutting edge research centres up and down the UK, and provides grants, equipment and support to more than 3000 scientists. The charity's annual research spend exceeds �217m.

Cancer Research UK carries out world-class research to improve our understanding of cancer and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer. We then ensure that our findings are used to improve the lives of all cancer patients.

The charity also aims to help people to understand cancer, the progress we are making and the choices each person can make. For example the many ways people can reduce their risk of developing cancer through stopping smoking, limiting their sun exposure and maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Cancer Research UK works in partnership with others to achieve the greatest impact in the global fight against cancer.

For more information about Cancer Research UK's work visit the Cancer Research UK website. Or to find out how to support the charity, please call +44 (0)20 7121 6699 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.

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ImClone Systems Incorporated

ImClone Systems is committed to advancing oncology care by developing a portfolio of targeted biologic treatments designed to address the medical needs of patients with a variety of cancers. Our strategy is to become a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company, taking our development programs from the research stage to the market.

For more information visit the ImClone Systems Incorporated website.

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