Our research work examines mechanisms involved in the development of resistance to hormonal therapies in breast cancer. Hormonal therapies such as Tamoxifen and more recently a group of medications collectively known as aromatase inhibitors, have contributed hugely to the recent improvements in breast cancer survival. However a sub group of tumours that initially respond to this type of treatment may, over time, develop resistance to these drugs.
Our group, has been particularly interested in a Protein called SRC-1. Through previous work, we have shown that breast cancer patients whose tumours express this protein do not respond as well to hormone therapy as those who do not express SRC-1. Current work is focused on uncovering the networks involved in how SRC-1 contributes to the development of this resistance to treatment. In doing so, the aim is to identify molecular markers that may help monitor responses to treatment and identify patients that are at increased risk of disease progression. Our hope would be to unearth a marker that would be detectable in the blood, enabling a monitoring of a patient's response to treatment. One particular marker has shown considerable promise in predicting a subset of patients at increased risk of more aggressive disease.
Working with Professor Arnold Hills breast cancer multidisciplinary team in Beaumont hospital is enabling promising laboratory findings in a variety of samples derived from patient tumours. This team work approach to translational research is vital in ensuring that laboratory discoveries are immediately investigated in relevant, clinical specimens.
Current Staff
Post Doctoral Fellows
Dr. Marie McIlroy
Dr. Christopher Byrne
Dr. Jean McBryan
Post Graduate Researchers
Fiona Bane
Sinead Cocchiglia
Jane O'Hara
Sarah Theissen
Claire Walshe
Eamon Hughes
Katie O'Brien
Damir Vareslija
Damian McCartan
Wael Shabo
Catherine de Blacam
Gemma Solon
