2013 Participants
Ann Walker
Cancer stem cells have been discovered in breast tumour tissue. They promote tumour growth and metastasis and demonstrate increased resistance to chemotherapy drugs. It is suggested that current treatments reduce tumour bulk, whilst leaving cancer stem cells behind that could promote tumour recurrence. EMT is important during development, but also plays a role in cancer metastasis. Recent evidence suggests that induction of EMT produces cells with stem cell-like properties. Our research aims to investigate the mechanisms underlying these processes and to identify potential therapeutic targets for treatment of patients with certain types of breast cancer.
Funding Source: Newcastle University