Composed in abortion pills can prevent breast cancer and ovarian cancer

The chemical compound of the "abortion pill" has been found to prevent cancer development of the mammary gland of ovarian tumors, the gene responsible for most of the breast and the group of scientists at UC Irvine reported.

The key compound, known as mifepristone, prevented breast tumors by inhibiting progesterone production. Progesterone is a hormone in the female cycle, which is found in breast tissue in question. The discovery may more and much more attractive option open to women who have cancer have a genetic predisposition to breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Currently, the typical method is based on the prevention of surgical removal of breasts or ovaries for most of these women.
The study is published in the Dec. 1 issue of Science published.

"We found that cancer progesterone plays a role in the development of breast cancer by promoting the proliferation of mammary cells that carry a breast > Gene of cancer, "said Eva Lee, lead author of the study and professor of cell and developmental biology and biological chemistry at UCI." Mifepristone can block the response. We are excited about this discovery and hope that leads to new opportunities for women at high risk of developing breast cancer. "

In the study, Lee and his colleagues have dealt mifepristone influences the function of the mutated gene called BRCA-1. This group of mutated genes was examined by several> Cancer researchers, because a mutated version of the gene that contributes significantly to the development of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. At the age of 70 years, when 50 percent of women with mutations of the BRCA-1 gene develop these types of cancer.

The researchers studied mice with mutations of the BRCA-1 gene. Mice with mifepristone, an anti-progesterone compound, did not develop mammary tumors after 12 months of treatment. All untreated mice developed tumors within eight monthsof age.

Progesterone, secreted by the ovaries, is essential for the duration of pregnancy. Mifepristone, also known as RU486, is designed to terminate a pregnancy in the first quarter by shutting down the secretion of progesterone and ending the viability of the fetus. In small doses, is an emergency contraceptive.

UCI researchers found that progesterone encourages the development of cancer when the mutated BRCA-1 is present because it increases the rate of cell division.Mifepristone, they discovered, have blocked a binding process that is necessary for progesterone to cause cells to divide.

Previous studies have cancer progesterone are high, with an increased risk of breast. This proved especially for women in menopause, hormone replacement therapy that progesterone and estrogen to get things like hot flashes and night sweats easily included. Recent results, combined with new data leading scientistsI believe that anti-progesterone could put women at risk by the prevention options in the future.

The survey was conducted with the support of the National Defense Cancer Institute, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Department.