Think Pinker

According to Bloomberg protein levels are directly related to Tamoxifen not working as it should to prevent breast cancer from reoccurring. A recent study conducted in the UK indicated that low levels of the protein PAX2 were directly linked to higher rates of breast cancer returning.

But even more interesting was the discovery in yet another study published in the Nature Journal, where high levels of another protein AIB-1 actually stopped Tamoxifen from providing the benefits it is so well known for. Tamoxifen is directly linked to increased survival and a significant reduction in the return of breast cancer so researches have been working hard to find out why this isn’t always the case. Finally some answers.

According to the American Cancer Society next to skin cancer, breast cancer is the most diagnosed. A researcher by the name of Jason Carroll from the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute says there is good news – within the next five years it will be very easy for physicians to order a simple blood to measure whether there are low levels of PAX2 or high levels of AIB-1 and then adjust treatment accordingly.

Oncologists found this study not only interesting but also helpful, for according to oncologist Eric Winer “It is already being looked at in the clinic as a potential strategy to overcome resistance to hormonal therapy.”

Learning the mechanics of these proteins and how they interact with drugs like Tamoxifen, as well as hormones like estrogen. Tamoxifen is generally taken for five years from the diagnoses. Its goal is to reduce, even eliminate the return of the breast cancer. With a better understanding of the “full picture” the results are much more likely to have a favourable outcome.