Objective Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and, after lung cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The most important factor influencing the outcome of patients with an invasive cancer is whether the tumour has spread regionally or systemically. Breast cancer dissemination is a multi-step process, affected by intrinsic, as well as by microenvironmental factors. Metastases start out as single cells that detach from the primary tumour and travel to distal locations. The number of circulating tumour cells before treatment is an independent predictor of progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer. The biology of these cells is not well comprehended and its understanding is critical for therapeutic improvements. One of the key questions that remain to be fully resolved is what molecular events allow the survival of cancer cells in hostile environment of peripheral blood. Recently, a novel concept arose redefining the molecular basis of survival of breast cancer cells. According to this concept, tumour cells can utilize intracellular (intracrine) receptor-ligand interactions to produce signals necessary for tumour survival under unfavourable conditions. A major scientific objective of the proposed project is to generate, using a transgenic approach, the animal model systems of breast cancer allowing to study the role of intracrine signalling in survival of disseminating breast cancer cells. The work activities detailed in this proposal will have a significant impact on the understanding of the mechanisms of metastasis in early stage breast cancer and thus will facilitate the prevention and/or fight against metastatic breast cancer. Fields of science medical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologylung cancermedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologybreast cancer Keywords Anticancer therapy Laboratory animal science Oncology Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) PEOPLE-2007-4-3.IRG - Marie Curie Action: "International Reintegration Grants" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-3-IRG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IRG - International Re-integration Grants (IRG) Coordinator UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN EU contribution € 100 000,00 Address BELFIELD 4 Dublin Ireland See on map Region Ireland Eastern and Midland Dublin Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact William Gallagher (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
