The ABCs of cancer risk research at Dana-Farber
Peruse the PAGES of research projects under way through Dana- Farber's Cancer Risk and Prevention Program, and you'll be WISE. These and other acronyms describe many of the studies, which aim to examine the effectiveness of new medications, improve early detection or genetic testing, or collect tissue specimens for research purposes. Here is a sampling of the investigations taking place; a full list is at www.dana-farber.org/pat.cancer.
Project IRIS (Impact of Risk Inheritance Study): This explores how individuals and their families use genetic testing information in their lives, focusing on people's understanding of cancer risk and screening prevention practices for breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancers.
PROSE (Prevention and Observation of Surgical Endpoints): Investigators are examining the effectiveness of prophylactic (risk-reducing) surgery among women with a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer and who may be likely to develop the disease.
PAncreatic cancer GEnes Study (PAGES): This project seeks to identify the genes that predispose people to develop pancreatic cancer, with the goal of improving screening and prevention methods.
Statins on breast cancer risk: Three small studies will evaluate the potential effects of statins – medications used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation – on breast cells directly, and on other markers of breast cancer risk.
WISE (Women with Increased Serum Estradiol): This trial asks whether letrozole, a new medication that lowers estrogen levels, can help reduce the chance of breast cancer development among women who have higher-than-usual estrogen levels after menopause.
