According to a report issued by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in December 2008, the protein Menainv potentially contributes to the spread of breast cancer.
Menainv is found in invasive cells within a breast tumor, but it may prove benefit to researchers because it can serve as a biomarker for metastatic breast cancer, scientists heading up the study said in the report.
Menainv, known as an invasive cell, moves throughout the body through tissue and eventually moves into the blood vessels. According to the study, published in the December 2008 issue of Developmental Cell, the protein provides the cancer cells with a means of moving to other areas of the body.
Researchers said Menainv is not present in noninvasive cancer cells that do not move about in a breast tumor.
The First Study of Its Kind
According to the report, the study of the protein Menainv and how it relates to the spread of breast cancer was a first of its kind. To this point, it was believed by scientists and researchers that the protein was simply a “bystander” protein that showed up when cancer cells were invading other tissues.
According to the study, researchers at the College of Medicine found “that tumor cells with Menainv are less likely to be responsive to newer breast cancer treatments that inhibit receptors for epidermal growth factor, which has been shown to increase a breast cancer cell's invasive potential.”
Drugs that inhibit epidermal growth may not be effective against cancer cells that contain Menainv, the researchers said.
Typically, according to the study, tumor cells with Menainv are sensitive to epidermal growth that even a small amount of the epidermal not blocked by medications may be enough to stimulate receptors and promote tumor cell migration and metastasis.
Epidermal Growth Factor
According to the National Cancer Institute, epidermal growth factor receptor is the protein found on the surface of some cells which epidermal growth factor binds, causing the cells to divide. It is found at high levels on the surface of cancer cells, so these cells may divide excessively in the presence of epidermal growth factor.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common sign of breast cancer for men and women is a lump or thickening in the breast. Often, it is a painful lump, while other signs may include:
- A spontaneous clear or bloody discharge from the nipple,
- Retraction or indentation of the nipple
- A change in the size or contours of the breast
- Any flattening or indentation of the skin over your breast
- Redness or pitting of the skin over the breast, like the skin of an orange
If a lump is found, a doctor should be consulted even if a recent mammogram report came back as normal.
Screening for Breast Cancer
Screening for breast cancer is basically nothing more than looking for evidence of disease before signs appear. There are several ways to go about the screening, but seemingly, the most popular tests include self exams, clinical exams and mammograms
The self-examination can begin as early as age 20 for most people and entails learning how the breasts typically look and feel, and being aware of changes. If a change is detected, promptly seek a medical exam.
The American Cancer Society recommends having clinical breast exams once every three years until age 40. After that, they should be yearly. This exam includes a doctor consultation who examines the breasts for lumps or other changes. He or she may be able to feel lumps during the exam and answer questions.
The mammogram uses a series of X-ray images of the breast tissue and is thought to be one of the best imaging technique for detecting tumors. The American Cancer Society recommends screening mammography for all women over 40.
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