In the United States breast cancer is the second leading cause of death after lung cancer, subsequently from 1975 – 2008, according to the National Cancer Institute, chance of developing breast cancer increased from one in eleven to one in eight women. “Approximately 3 million women in the United States are living with breast cancer about 2.3 million have been diagnosed with the disease and an estimated 1 million do not yet know they have the disease!” Women fifty years and older are more perceptible develop breast cancer than five percent of women under forty years old. Predominately black women have a higher mortality rate as result of breast cancer then white women. 1 Other factors that influence risk for developing breast cancer include: Family history of breast cancer, prior history of breast cancer, reproductive and menstrual history, dietary factors and radiation exposure 2
Early detection for breast cancer saves more lives. Digital Mammography screening for breast cancer is more effective then film mammography for detecting early stage of breast cancer, especially among younger women, thus providing a better survival rate, treatment can begin early. 1 According to National Comprehensive Cancer Network current treatments for breast cancer include: Radiation Therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, hormone therapy and monoclonal Antibody Therapy
(Specifically target cells 3). 4
Scientists Deborah Lannigan and Jeffrey Smith at the University of Virginia Health System, reported in February 2005 (Journal Cancer Research 9), discovered a compound called ‘SL0101’, from Amazon forest plant Foresteronia refracta: Stops the growth of human breast cancer cells. Foresteronia refracta is member of the dogbane family 5: “the common name, Dogbane, refers to the plant’s toxic nature, which has been described as “poisonous to dogs.” 6 More than 1,000 species of trees, shrubs, woody vines, and herbaceous plants are members of the dogbane family and commonly ornamented with flowers. 7
The compound ‘SL0101’ inhibits the growth of a cancer linked protein, called RSK (ribosomal S6 kinase – Involved in cell-to-cell communication or pathways to maintain infection. 8) especially in breast cancer cells but does not affect the growth of normal breast cells. Researchers Deborah Lannigan and Jeffrey Smith collaborated their scientific discovery ‘SL0101’ with University of Virginia Professor of Chemistry, Dr. Sidney Hecht who preserves a large number of exotic plants collected by the National Cancer Institute in the 1960’s for research purposes. ‘SL0101 is similar to drug Gleevic inhibiting or interfering with pathways that signal the growth of tumors. According to scientist Jeffrey Smith ‘Sl0101’ will be tested on human tumor cells in mice: Upon successful results, human clinical trials will begin sometime in the future 9
Furthermore, the Lannigan laboratory study of signal transduction in Breast, Prostate and Ovarian Cancer discovered ‘SL0101’ inhibits proliferation of prostate and ovarian cancer cells. 10
References:
1.) Facts and Statistics About Breast Cancer in the United States: 2008 – http://www.stopbreastcancer.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=493&Itemid=178
2.) Breast Cancer: Risk Factors I – http://www.cancerquest.org/index.cfm?page=1487
3.) Monoclonal antibody therapy – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monoclonal_antibody_therapy
4.) Breast Cancer: Treatment – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monoclonal_antibody_therapy
5.) Rare Amazonian Plant Beats Breast Cancer –
http://www.womenfitness.net/news/breast_cancer/au_rare_amazonian_plants.htm
6.) DOGBANE – http://www.desertusa.com/mag00/may/papr/dogbane.html
7.) dogbane family – http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1B1-362908.html
8.) Kinome Breaking News – http://www.genengnews.com/news/bnitem.aspx?name=37403993&chid=2&taxid=46
9.) The rain forest saves a plant from the Amazon could help stop breast cancer. – http://oscar.virginia.edu/x6262.xml?display=print
10.) MAP and RSK kinases, estrogen receptor and drug discovery – http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/cancer-research/programs/signaling/members/lannigan.cfm
