Announcement of First Seeds4Hope Grants!
Photo (Dr. Lisa Porter, Dr. Lucanne Magill, Dr. Dale Rajacich(co-applicant for Dr. Eleanor Maticka-Tyndale) and Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved)
"Many of us identify cancer research with traditional laboratory and clinical studies. Fortunately for all of us, the scope of research around the world is much greater, extending to every aspect of cancer care including prevention and quality of life. This broader scope of cancer research is reflected in the diverse applications received and approved for Seeds4Hope funding. This assures us that researchers in our community, like their colleagues around the world, are battling cancer on many different fronts."
Dr. Michael Dufresne - Seeds4Hope Administrator
Awards Granted:
Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved: Biological Sciences, University of Windsor
Co-applicant: Dr. Lisa Porter, Biological Sciences, University of Windsor
Awarded: $70,000 over two years
Project - Three dimensional live-cell imaging to profile proteolytic pathways associated with lymphatic invasion in inflammatory breast cancer.
Inflammatory breast cancer is the most aggressive and lethal form of breast cancer. Although it accounts for approximately 5% of all diagnosed breast cancers, the 5-year survival rate is less than 45%. Clinically, inflammatory breast cancer is very distinct from other breast cancers as it is characterized by the rapid onset of breast swelling and redness often without a well-defined lump, therefore, challenging traditional diagnostic methods such as mammography and ultrasound. Furthermore, the propensity of inflammatory breast cancer to invade the lymphatic system of the skin and infiltrate lymph nodes defines it as a highly aggressive disease. Invasion of tumor cells into the lymphatic vessels is an area of tumor biology that is poorly understood. We will explore the interactions between inflammatory breast cancer and lymphatic endothelial cells, the cells that constitute lymphatic vessels. We will also establish a multi-cellular system using both inflammatory breast cancer cells and endothelial cells to study these interactions. Specifically, we will examine how endothelial cells affect the expression and secretion of proteases, enzymes that participate in tumor invasion, by the tumor cells and factors (cytokines) that regulate this process. In addition, we will use imaging technologies to view the interactions of live cancer cells with endothelial cells over periods of time in an effort to mimic the events that occurs in within tumors of breast cancer patients. This study is innovative because it examines, for the first time, the pathway in which inflammatory breast cancer cells invade into the lymphatic system. It examines this cancer beyond the cancer cells and also investigates the role of non-cancer cells in the progression of the disease. As well, it utilizes a live-cell system as a tool to investigate the interactions between inflammatory breast cancer and endothelial cells, which can also be applied to other cells associated with cancer. Finally, establishing a molecular link between inflammatory breast cancer cells and endothelial cells will identify novel biomarkers for earlier diagnosis and aid in the development of new target therapies that will advance the treatment of this disease.
HOW THIS RESEARCH HELPS ADVANCE CANCER CARE IN THE COMMUNITY
Inflammatory breast cancer appears to target younger women as compared to other types of breast cancer. Unfortunately, the biology involving the development and progression of the disease is severely understudied. Our proposed project will begin to provide insight into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying inflammatory breast cancer and in particular its invasive nature. Insights into these mechanisms will aid in the identification of biomarkers that will improve diagnosis of the disease. Furthermore, elucidating the mechanisms in which the disease progresses will provide information for the development of new therapeutic strategies in which to improve treatment of inflammatory breast cancer for patients within the community. These strategies are ultimately aimed at advancing cancer care in these patients.
Dr. Lisa Porter: Biological Sciences, University of Windsor
Co-applicants: Dr. Robin Gras, Computer Science, U of W, Dr. Alioune Ngom, Computer Science, U of W, Dr. Luis Rueda, Computer Science, U of W
Collaborators: Dr. Caroline Hamm, Oncology/WRCC, Windsor Regional Hospital, Dr. Bonnie Sloane, Wayne State University
Awarded: $70,000 over two years
Project: Role of stress factor signaling in breast cancer initiation and progression
Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women, currently 1 in 9 Canadian women are diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their life. A great deal of progress has been made with regard to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment however there is still a significant cohort of women who present initially with very aggressive, non-responsive forms of breast cancer, as well as those who relapse following treatment. It is because of this that breast cancer remains the second leading killer from cancer among women. There is a great deal of evidence accumulating that stress and other behavioral factors may affect cancer progression and patient survival, yet the underlying mechanisms for this association are poorly understood. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone in the body and abnormal levels have been linked to earlier mortality and cancer progression in breast cancer models. Cortisol is essential in the body to properly regulate metabolism and immune responses; therefore, direct inhibition of cortisol as a therapeutic strategy will be laden with side-effects, as is the case with many current treatments. The overall goal of this research project is to determine the molecular mechanism mediating cortisol effects on breast cell growth, to determine which of these effects are also implicated in human breast cancer and to begin to determine the effectiveness of these mechanisms for novel anti-cancer drug development.
To achieve this we are utilizing a variety of computer based as well as molecular biology techniques to identify genes that are implicated in stress effects on breast cells as well as in human breast tumorigenesis. We will further test these genes in cell and animal models to determine their potential as novel targets for drug design in the treatment of breast cancer. This work holds tremendous promise for the development of therapeutics that would aid in the successful treatment and long-term remission of patients with the most aggressive forms of breast cancer.
HOW THIS RESEARCH HELPS ADVANCE CANCER CARE IN THE COMMUNITY
This project holds tremendous promise for the development of novel therapeutic strategies which may improve the treatment and/or the detection of advanced forms of breast cancer. Such advancement would have a tremendous impact on survival rates; thereby having high priority for advancing cancer care both locally, regionally and beyond. In addition, future direction of this work will promote collaborative research with the Windsor Regional Cancer Center. Strengthening University-Hospital ties in the Windsor community is very important; not only for training, recruitment and retention of the medical expertise but also for attracting future funds necessary to expand the innovative technologies ongoing in the Windsor area, technologies essential to keep Windsor cancer care at the forefront in this country.
Dr. Eleanor Maticka-Tyndale: Sociology, Anthropology & Criminology, University of Windsor
Co-applicants: Dr. Ken Schneider, Oncology/WRCC, Windsor Regional Hospital, Dr. Dale Rajacich, Nursing, University of Windsor
Awarded: $60,000 over two years
Project: Gynecological cancer: Women’s experience of HDR Brachytherapy treatment and post-treatment sexuality and quality of life
With greater numbers of patients surviving cancer, knowledge about the experience of cancer treatment and post cancer quality of life becomes increasingly important. This study examines the experiences of women during and after treatment for gynecological cancers, focusing especially on the effects of gynecological cancers and their treatment with high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy on their sexuality and intimate relationships. The goal of this research is to contribute to enhanced quality of life for women experiencing gynecological cancers, both during and after treatment.
The study has two main components. First, it follows women throughout their treatment with multiple administrations of HDR brachytherapy to understand their experience at each step of the treatment process. Women’s perceptions of their treatment is the focus of inquiry, exploring their treatment experiences, symptoms associated with the treatment, and coping methods. The knowledge acquired in this component of the research will contribute to the development of Practice Guidelines that are responsive to women’s needs. In the second component of the study, women’s quality of life from 3 months to 5 years after treatment will be explored, focusing particularly on their sexuality and intimate relationships. Women participating in the study will complete questionnaires and participate in one-on-one interviews where they will be given the opportunity to tell their own stories of surviving gynecological cancer.
HOW THIS RESEARCH HELPS ADVANCE CANCER CARE IN THE COMMUNITY
This proposed research responds to a National Research Corporation study in which the majority of cancer patients treated in Windsor and region reported that they had insufficient information to deal with quality of life challenges during treatment and survivorship. A particular area of concern for women cancer survivors was the inadequacy of information about the effects of cancer and cancer treatment on their sexuality. This study speaks directly to these concerns for women experiencing gynecological cancers by examining their experiences during and after treatment and focusing especially on the effects of their cancers and treatments on their sexual well-being and intimate relationships
The proposed research will produce the evidence required to meet the goal of the Erie St Clair Regional Cancer Program and Cancer Care Ontario to improve the patient experience along every step of the cancer journey. Two stages of this journey are addressed in this research – treatment and follow-up care. Cancer Care Ontario has no Practice Guidelines for pain and symptom management in brachytherapy treatment for gynecological cancers. The first component of this project addresses patients’ experience of this treatment, including levels of pain and anxiety at each stage of treatment, and will provide research evidence to inform the development of Practice Guidelines for high dose rate brachytherapy treatment for gynecological cancers. The second component of this project addresses the chronic nature (p. 4 Ontario Cancer Plan 2008-2011) of treatment outcomes, specifically those related to women’s sexuality and its implications for their intimate relationships and quality of life. This component will provide research evidence to inform improvements in post-treatment supportive care in an area that women have identified as of particular concern. Together, the two components of the proposed research will provide evidence to inform the development of supportive treatment interventions, improvement in supportive care, and provision of information to assist women in the Erie St Clair region to make informed decisions about their care and treatment.
Dr. Lucanne Magill: Music, University of Windsor
Co-applicant: Dr. Richard Lewis, Communication, Media and Film, University of Windsor
Awarded: $50,000 over two years
Project: Odes and odysseys: The impact of song writing and recording in music therapy with cancer patients and their families
Music therapy is known to enhance comfort and improve well-being and quality of life in cancer and palliative care patients of all ages and in all stages of illness. Therapeutic songwriting is a music therapy strategy that is known to positively engage patients and families in communication, while also providing them with meaningful opportunities to share messages and create legacies with and for loved ones.
This "Odes and Odysseys" research project proposes to explore the impact of therapeutic song writing, as song messages and legacies, on the well-being and quality of life in cancer patients and their families. As mood, symptoms and personal sense of life meaning impact well-being and quality of life, this project aims research the specific short and long term effects of this creative music therapy strategy on participants’ reports of mood, symptoms and sense of meaning.
A unique feature of this project is the proposed use of multimedia technology. Participants will be offered opportunities to audio and/or video record their compositions through a portable recording studio that will be brought to homes and to bedsides of cancer patients residing at the Hospice. Likewise, children and adolescents of ill parents may experience using the equipment and various instruments in the recording studio to be in place at the Music Therapy Centre, Hospice Satellite site in Windsor. CD covers will be designed by participants, assisted by researchers.
As this strategy has been previously used by this principle applicant and has been found to significantly enhance well-being and quality of life, it is hoped that this project will serve to improve patients’ and families’ experiences in living with cancer.
HOW THIS RESEARCH HELPS ADVANCE CANCER CARE IN THE COMMUNITY
This research project is innovative in its aim to explore the short and long term meaning of songwriting in a cancer setting, and is pioneering in its use of these multimedia strategies within a family context. Thus it is believed that this project would appeal and be refreshing to patients and families in our community.
Together, applications from these principal investigators reflect research collaborations involving thirteen researchers from the University of Windsor, the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, and beyond, and represent research in three major research areas: laboratory, clinical and psychosocial.As patients, families, caregivers and staff often find inspiration, renewal and hope through times in music therapy, this proposed project could help minimize the influence of cancer on people living in this community, and could improve overall experience of illness.