Anti - Malaria Drug Chloroquine May Provide Preventive Care Against Deadly Type of Breast Cancer

In 1934 Andersag and co-workers at Bayer Laboratories discovered Chloroquine as a toxic compound, considered harmful for medical human purposes. During World War Two, United States Government sponsored clinical research study: Reported Chloroquine could provide medical treatment for malaria. 1 Chloroquine (Generic Name) and Brand name Aralen approved by the Food the Drug Administration to treat and prevent Malaria: "Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that can affect people's red blood cells." The parasite is spread to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Those who have contracted malaria endure for Years flu - like symptoms, and serious lung, heart, kidney and brain problems or eventually die. The medication may cause side effects such as: Dizziness, nausea, temporary hair loss, diarrhea, and worse psoriasis. 2 In January 2010, trial study underway (Funded by George Mason University and Inova Health System) test how effective Chloroquine could prevent a type of diagnosed breast cancer (ductal carcinoma), approximately among a quarter of 254,650 breast cancer patients in 2009. 3

The anatomy of a female breast, consist of milk producing glands (lobules ducts), carry milk from the lobules to the nipple. Also, fatty tissue and connective tissue surrounding the ducts and lobules, besides blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels ("Lymphatic vessels are like small veins, except that they carry a clear fluid called lymph (instead of blood) away from the breast."). Most malignant tumors begin in the cells that encompass the lining of the ducts, and small percentage of breast cancer form in other tissues of the breast. 4

Routine women mammography screening for breast cancer increasingly detects more cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): Detecting cancer cells in the milk ducts but have not proceeded to become invasive (non-invasive) and may metastasize (spread) throughout the body. Once the cells invade the body, frequently the outcome is fatal. Dr. Kirsten Edmiston (Medical director of cancer services at Inova Health System affiliated with Inova Breast Care Institute (IBCI)) and researchers at George Mason University Center for Applied Protemics and Molecular Medicine (CAPMM), investigating a three - year trial study (among 90 women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma), anti - malaria drug chloroquine: Prevent breast cancer cells from becoming invasive cells that metastasize. During a process called autophagy, described by Ginny Espina (CAPMM research assistant professor): "Pre-cancerous cells adapted to survive inside the milk duct without a blood supply and with very few nutrients." 3 In other words, cellular survival mechanism protects the survival of these cells during autophagy similar to an person who lacks nutrition, burning body fat to survive the absence of food. Also, this process has been identified in human ovarian cancer cells in mice. 5

According to Ginny Espina, when chloroquine is administered (enter the 'cookie jar'), where food is stored in the breast ducks, defeating the process of autophagy, thus killing the cancerous cells by starvation. Chloroquine compared to chemotherapy, safer treatment option with less severe side effects. Also, controversially treating DCIS may not always be necessary, since the lesions may or may not always remain dormant cancerous cells. During the trial study, patients will be administered chloroquine with Tamoxifen ("a drug that interferes with activity of estrogen, a female hormone. Tamoxifen has been used for more than 30 years to treat breast cancer in women and men". 6), depending on the participant's tumor profile. Also, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will measure the non - invasive tumor (before and after treatment) and removal of tissues will be examined for analysis by Inova's doctors. Hopefully the treatment will prevent follow - up treatment or surgery, unless necessary. Dr. Kirsten Edmiston said: "We look forward to a future when all breast cancer can be prevented or destroyed." 3

Chloroquine under investigation by researchers, provide treatment for unique types of brain tumors. 7

References:

1.) Chloroquine - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chloroquine

2.) Chloroquine for malaria - http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/chloroquine-for-malaria

3.) Science News - Trial Launched to Test New Treatment for Pre-invasive Breast Cancer - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100302123120.htm

4.) Detailed Guide: Breast Cancer - What Is Breast Cancer? - http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_is_breast_cancer_5.asp?sitearea=CRI

5.) Autophagy helps ovarian cancer cells to survive - http://www.rxpgnews.com/ovariancancer/Autophagy_helps_ovarian_cancer_cells_to_survive_short_periods_139451.shtml

6.) Tamoxifen: Questions and Answers - http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/tamoxifen

7.) PNC trial launched to test treatment for pre-invasive breast cancer - http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-03/gmu-ptl030210.php