Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology has been adapted to permit ultra-sensitive quantitative determinations of relative levels of specific mRNAs and qualitative detection of mutations by RNA single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis (RNA-SSCP). These methods can be used on small tumor biopsy specimens and thus make it possible to analyze biochemical indicators of drug response in patients prior to therapy. In this study, we will establish biochemical determinants of response for locally advanced breast cancer that is to be treated with 5-fluorouracil (FU) by continual infusion in the first stage of therapy followed by FU plus radiation. The gene expression of thymidylate synthase (TS) will be measured as a candidate response determinant for FU by quantitative PCR. Previously we found a wide range of variation of 50-fold or more in TS expression among tumor specimens, including breast tumors. We will study whether this variation stems from differences in cell cycle distribution or abnormal regulation of genes in tumor cells. To study heterogeneity of TS expression among tumor cells, TS expression in infiltrating normal tissue, and per-cell expression between high and low expressing specimens, we will use in situ PCR and immunohistochemical methods. The p53 status of the tumors will be evaluated as a candidate response determinant for the radiation treatment. Screening for p53 mutations will be done by RNA- SSCP. With advanced breast cancer, it will be possible to measure response determinants in multiple tumor specimens from the same patient, including the primary tumor, metastatic sites, and multicentric sites within the breast after mastectomy. Since various tumor sites within the same individual often respond differently, the response is more likely due to inter-tumoral rather than inter-individual differences. The broad objective of this project is to establish whether analysis of tumor specimens for quantitative measurement of biochemical determinants can be useful and practical for predicting tumor response on an individual basis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01CA060859-02
Application #
2101634
Study Section
Experimental Therapeutics Subcommittee 1 (ET)
Project Start
1994-07-01
Project End
1997-06-30
Budget Start
1995-07-01
Budget End
1996-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Southern California
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
041544081
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90089
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Lehman, N L; Danenberg, P V (2000) Modulation of RTX cytotoxicity by thymidine and dipyridamole in vitro: implications for chemotherapy. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 45:142-8
Ju, J; Kane, S E; Lenz, H J et al. (1998) Desensitization and sensitization of cells to fluoropyrimidines with different antisenses directed against thymidylate synthase messenger RNA. Clin Cancer Res 4:2229-36
Ju, J F; Banerjee, D; Lenz, H J et al. (1998) Restoration of wild-type p53 activity in p53-null HL-60 cells confers multidrug sensitivity. Clin Cancer Res 4:1315-22
Metzger, R; Danenberg, K; Leichman, C G et al. (1998) High basal level gene expression of thymidine phosphorylase (platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor) in colorectal tumors is associated with nonresponse to 5-fluorouracil. Clin Cancer Res 4:2371-6
Formenti, S C; Dunnington, G; Uzieli, B et al. (1997) Original p53 status predicts for pathological response in locally advanced breast cancer patients treated preoperatively with continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil and radiation therapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 39:1059-68
Skinner, K A; Dunnington, G; Silberman, H et al. (1997) Preoperative 5-fluorouracil and radiation therapy for locally advanced breast cancer. Am J Surg 174:705-7; discussion 707-8
Fisher, A M; Danenberg, K; Banerjee, D et al. (1997) Increased photosensitivity in HL60 cells expressing wild-type p53. Photochem Photobiol 66:265-70