Caroline DePaul presented her poster entitled "Potential of Gene Therapy Using T Cells for Cancer Treatment." Her abstract reads:
The use of gene therapy to create altered T cells is a promising new field in the study of cancer treatment. T cells offer much potential as delivery vectors for gene therapy because of their extensive targeting abilities and capacity to live long. Ideal T cells for gene therapy are ones that have a high replicative capacity, are versatile, and can secrete volumes of antibodies for extra antitumor immune response. A recent study at the University of Penn experimented with techniques for treating cancerous mice using the altered T cells. The trials began with removing desired T cells from the body through apheresis. The T cells were then subject to a series of alterations so that they would attack tumor-associated antigens when returned into the original organism. One possible modification would be using viral vectors to transduce beads coated with protein-specific antibodies into the T cell. The newly adapted T cell would thus have the ability to target and attack tumor genes that express the same protein that had been added to the beads. Durable remissions have been recorded when targeting the protein CD19, expressed by many B cell malignancies. Many trials are currently underway that will explore the ability to extend beyond CD19-specific T-cells. Several others are working on limiting the risks of gene therapy with T cells, such as through integrating "suicide genes" or using an mRNA electroporation system, both of which could work to eliminate the altered T cells from the body in the case of possible malfunctions. Despite the many questions that remain surrounding the use of engineered T cells, the field is still very much new and has plenty of room to advance, offering hope for treating leukemia and other blood cancers.
Yosman Dhar presented her poster entitled "Diet, Culture, Cancer and What We Can Do." Her abstract reads:
Many people believe there is a strong link between diet and cancer; much has been written on this topic, however there is also a lot of misinformation suggesting links between foods and cancer, which are not based on valid research. The strongest association with cancer is found with red meat and fish. Studies indicate that red meat consumption leads to cancer, because it increases insulin-like growth factor, or IGF-1 levels. This research was examined on a population with Laron’s syndrome, a mutation causing dwarfism and low levels of IGF-1, who are shown to be immune to cancer and diabetes. Multiple studies on fish demonstrate its protective properties against prostate cancer, but other studies linking diet and cancer are less clear. Fears that certain food additives, such as caramel dye in soda and artificial sweeteners, may cause cancer, are not backed by strong research. Similarly, milk's relation to cancer varies; some research shows consuming milk causes prostate and ovarian cancer, while others suggests it decreases colorectal cancer. Soy is linked to a reduction of breast cancer, while fiber protects against developing bowel cancer and consuming whole grains reduces prostate and colorectal cancer in specific populations. However, arsenic, a carcinogen sometimes found in brown rice, may pose a potential threat of cancer. Phytochemicals and antioxidants in colorful fruits and vegetables help to prevent tumors and destroy carcinomas. Yet, research shows that breast cancer and prostate cancer risk has no relation to fruit and vegetable consumption. Overall, eating a diet low in red and processed meat, with high quantities of fish, fiber, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables, proves to be the best anti-cancer diet. The effects of diet and culture on people can be seen in different areas of the world, for example, Japan’s low rates of prostate cancer may be caused by high levels of fish intake. In contrast, in the U.S, there are high rates of prostate cancer, which may be reduced by consuming more fish. By learning from other cultures people can improve their health, and reduce the risk of cancer.
Saige Sunier presented her poster "BPA Linkage to Prostate Cancer." Her abstract reads:
Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, is a synthetic chemical widely used around the world in the production of common household items such as water bottles, plastic containers, and DVDs. Overtime the chemical bonds of BPA deteriorate thus releasing BPA molecules into the contained food and beverages and are then consumed. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control performed a study in 2003-2004 showing nearly 93% of people tested above the age of six have detectable traces of BPA in their urine. Recent studies from the University of Illinois reveal that prolonged exposure to this chemical compound increases the risk of developing prostate cancer. After exposing mice to BPA through oral administration over a period of 2 weeks and comparing to a control group, researchers found that the BPA fed mice developed intraepithelial neoplasia and andenocarinoma at a 13% higher rate than the controlled oil-fed mice. Further studies from the University of Cincinnati assessed alterations caused by BPA on the prostate at the molecular level. In vitro research indicates that low doses of BPA increase the percentage of cells with centrosome amplification in prostate cancer cell lining thus contributing to cancer. Research on the traces of BPA in urine has led to the development of new tests that can help diagnose prostate cancer by detecting and comparing urinary BPA levels to those of patients already diagnosed with the disease. The Cincinnati study showed that patients with prostate cancer have much higher levels of BPA in their urine than those without. Bisphenol A has been successfully linked to cancer through multiple research facilities in mice and humans, yet as demands for plastic increases the amount of human exposure to BPA escalates yearly.
