Project Details
Description
AIM: We will study breast cancer (BC) risk and clinical outcome (prognosis) in relation to thyroid hormones, iodine, and selenium levels, related receptors and genetic polymorphisms (SNPs).
BACKGROUND: We have found a strong association between thyroid hormone levels and the risk of breast cancer. Contrary to this, thyroid hormones seem to be associated with a favourable clinical outcome, i.e. a low risk of aggressive tumours and death. Now several questions remain as thyroid function is heavily dependent on iodine metabolism, and selenium-containing enzymes. Despite the biological relevance, there are no studies on iodine levels and BC. Previous studies on selenium and BC were not conclusive, but there is now a second “wave” of interest in selenium, now suggesting that the effect may be dependent on selenium related SNPs, and that an association would only be seen in areas were selenium levels are low. Our preliminary data now indicates that selenium does indeed decreased BC risk, but that it leads to a poor clinical outcome.
METHODS: Thyroid hormones, iodine, selenium, related receptors (thyroid receptors and NIS), and selected SNPs will be studied with regard to BC risk and clinical outcome, i.e. risk of aggressive tumours, recurrent disease and BC death. We will first test our hypotheses among 1200 cases and controls from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study. Subsequently, we will see if these findings can be confirmed in 1200 BC patients from a consecutive series; SCAN-B.
IMPLICATIONS: The analyses on risk of BC and specific tumour subgroups, including related SNPs, will increase our insight into BC pathogenesis and it will provide evidence on the possibility of causal, biological, mechanisms. The project will identify high risk groups that may profit from intensive adjuvant treatment, and it will guide future trials on new therapies.
BACKGROUND: We have found a strong association between thyroid hormone levels and the risk of breast cancer. Contrary to this, thyroid hormones seem to be associated with a favourable clinical outcome, i.e. a low risk of aggressive tumours and death. Now several questions remain as thyroid function is heavily dependent on iodine metabolism, and selenium-containing enzymes. Despite the biological relevance, there are no studies on iodine levels and BC. Previous studies on selenium and BC were not conclusive, but there is now a second “wave” of interest in selenium, now suggesting that the effect may be dependent on selenium related SNPs, and that an association would only be seen in areas were selenium levels are low. Our preliminary data now indicates that selenium does indeed decreased BC risk, but that it leads to a poor clinical outcome.
METHODS: Thyroid hormones, iodine, selenium, related receptors (thyroid receptors and NIS), and selected SNPs will be studied with regard to BC risk and clinical outcome, i.e. risk of aggressive tumours, recurrent disease and BC death. We will first test our hypotheses among 1200 cases and controls from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study. Subsequently, we will see if these findings can be confirmed in 1200 BC patients from a consecutive series; SCAN-B.
IMPLICATIONS: The analyses on risk of BC and specific tumour subgroups, including related SNPs, will increase our insight into BC pathogenesis and it will provide evidence on the possibility of causal, biological, mechanisms. The project will identify high risk groups that may profit from intensive adjuvant treatment, and it will guide future trials on new therapies.
| Status | Not started |
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UKÄ subject classification
- Cancer and Oncology
Free keywords
- Breast cancer
- Thyroid hormone