NASA Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports

20040111601 Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD
Novel Magnetic Fluids for Breast Cancer Therapy
Mazuruk, Konstanty; Apr. 2004; 15 pp.; In English
Contract(s)/Grant(s): DAMD17-03-1-0176
Report No.(s): AD-A425675; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy
The focus of this research effort is to investigate the synthesis strategies of magnetic nano- materials potentially exhibiting
the temperature self- regulating properties that could be attractive for cancer therapeutic purposes. Ni-Pt alloy nano-particles
are of specific interest in this study. The wet chemical approach was used (an inverse micelle method). Although micron-size
particles can readily be produced with the required magnetic properties, a problem was encountered with the nano-material.
Our understanding is that some surface oxidation occurs during synthesis. Attempts to modify the processing technology by
employing hydrazine monohydrate as a reduction agent component yielded magnetic material suitable for further physical
studies. This characterization work is now underway.
DTIC
Cancer; Ferrofluids; Mammary Glands; Therapy
20040111602 Dana Farber Cancer Inst., Boston, MA
Cancer Immunology in an Inducible Model of Breast Cancer
Shazaie, Khashayarsha; Zhang, Guoying; Chen, Mei L.; Pittet, Mikael; Apr. 2004; 39 pp.; In English; Original contains color
illustrations
Contract(s)/Grant(s): DAMD17-02-1-0361
Report No.(s): AD-A425676; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy
The growth of mammary tumors reflects the partial or total compromise of tumor specific immune surveillance in the
tumor bearing host. By following the function and fate of T cells that recognize a defined antigen, it is possible to define the
mechanisms involved in immune evasion by the tumor, and to open possibilities for targeted therapy. In the previous annual
report we described an animal model of autochtonous mammary cancer. It was also reported that transgenic expression of an
ectopic antigen (influenza hemagglutinin: HA) led to the generation of HA specific regulatory T cells, and that this was directly
linked to the spurious intrathymie expression of this antigen. Over the course of the past year, we have made progress in
generating a novel knock- in mouse line, that when crossed to tissue specific Cre mice allows for tight tissue specific
expression of HA. We have also demonstrated that in the presence of physiological levels of tumor specific regulatory T cells
anti- tumor cytolytic T cell responses are severely suppressed, while homing and proliferation of the T cells are apparently
unaffected. Furthermore, we have shown that lymphonic expansion of CD8 T cells activates them and renders them resistant
to regulation. These studies elucidate tolerance mechanisms that may be safeguarding immunogenic tumors against potentially
lethal host T cell responses, and direct us to therapeutic strategies.
DTIC
Cancer; Immunology; Mammary Glands
20040111603 Duke Univ., Durham, NC
The Effects of Information Displays in Decision About Tamoxifen Use for Breast Cancer Chemoprevention
Lipkus, Isaac; Jun. 2004; 5 pp.; In English
Contract(s)/Grant(s): DAMD17-03-1-0382
Report No.(s): AD-A425678; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A01, Hardcopy
Behavioral interventions have focused primarily on early detection rather than the prevention of breast cancer; this trend
is changing rapidly as chemoprevention agents, such as Tamoxifen, receive more attention. An important challenge is how to
facilitate the review of Tamoxifen information among higher risk women who may benefit form its use. A second challenge
is to understand how the format of conveying Tamoxifen’s risks and benefits to affects women’s (a) overall weighing of risk
and benefits and (b) intentions use Tamoxifen. Whether a woman reviews information on Tamoxifen depends, in part, on how
she interprets her BC risk. The purpose of this study is to test how the numerical format of conveying breast cancer (BC) risk
and the risks and benefits of taking Tamoxifen as a chemopreventive agent individually and jointly affect women’s intentions
to sue Tamoxifen and talk to a health care provider about its use. Evaluating the effects of different formats, and understanding
the psychosocial mechanisms through which they affect decision-making, will become increasingly important as more women
consider Tamoxifen, other breast cancer chemopreventive agents (e.g., Raloxifen), and chemopreventive drugs for cancer
more broadly.
DTIC
Cancer; Chemotherapy; Display Devices; Health; Mammary Glands; Medical Services; Social Factors
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