Prospective study of trace elements in breast cancer risk and treatment response
Aim
Description
Breast cancer (BC), the most common cancer in women, affects over 2M annually, with 500K+ deaths. BC risk in BRCA1 mutation carriers varies (49%-72%), suggesting environmental influences. Some studies have reported TE impact on BC risk/survival, with optimal levels improving outcomes, but data is limited to few European populations.
Aim
To prospectively measure trace element (TE) Se, Cu, Zn, As, Pb and Cd plasma levels in 400 unselected BC cases at diagnosis, 400 healthy controls and 200 unaffected BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant (PV) carriers and to determine their association with BC risk and treatment outcomes.
Endpoints
In BC group overall/BC-specific survival, event-free survival; pathological complete response after preoperative systemic therapy. In control group - cancer events.
Hypothesis
Abnormal TE levels are significantly associated with BC risk and treatment outcome.
Modulation
TE like Zn is lower, while Cu, Pb, Cd is higher in BC cases. Cd links to higher risk of distant metastasis. Optimal Se level may reduce BC risk.
TE Mechanisms
TE cause oxidative damage, altering gene expression and cancer risk.
Novelty
Prospective study in Latvia to confirm TE levels in BC and unaffected controls, including subgroup of BRCA1/2 PV carriers. Lifestyle/nutritional confounders will be addressed as a part of comprehensive analysis.
Impact
Results could shift BC risk reduction/treatment globally, leveraging European project synergies.
Planned results
- Original research articles published in the Q1 or Q2 publications listed in the Web of Science or SCOPUS databases – 2
- Scientific databases and datasets prepared according to the FAIR principles – 1
- Policy recommendations and reports on the impact of policies – 1
- Project proposal submitted in an international call for research and development projects (competition abroad or submitted by an international consortium) – 1
- Project proposal submitted in a Latvian call for research and development projects – 1
Scientific Team
- Arvīds Irmejs – lead researcher, principal investigator
- Ivars Vanadziņš – lead researcher
- Andrejs Šķesters – lead researcher
- Ieva Strēle – lead researcher
- Diāna Inga Paegle – researcher
- Lauma Ilsuma – senior laboratory technician
- Dace Lapiņa – laboratory technician
- Laura Rasa Rotberga – acting research assistant
