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PROGRAMME AND ABSTRACT BOOK
ABS TRAC T BOOK
diating non-genomic estrogen signaling. G protein-coupled
estrogen receptor, GPER, has high affinity for estrogen and
signals via various mitogenic pathways. Interestingly, selective
estrogen receptor modulators, such as tamoxifen and ICI 182
780 act as GPER agonists. Current studies analyzed GPER mRNA
and protein in estrogen sensitive gynecological malignancies,
such as endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancer and related
the expression to diagnosis or prognosis. Real-time reverse
transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western Blot, immune
histochemistry, immune transmission electron microscopy, and
confocal microscopy were employed to map GPER expression,
tissue distribution, and subcellular localization. GPER, predomi-
nantly localized in epithelial cells, was expressed in all tissues
studied. However, inconsistent results have been obtained
regarding the relation to histopathlogical parameters or clinical
outcome. These discrepancies and possible clinical implication
will be discussed in the subsequent presentation.
Functional interplay between cellular metabolism
and genome integrity in glioblastoma
Hamerlik P.
Brain Tumor Biology, Danish Cancer Society Research
Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is among the deadliest of
human cancers with conventional therapy offering only palliation.
GBMaccounts for themost frequent type of primary brain tumors
in Europe and the USA, with a 5-year survival of patients of no
more than 10%. The median life expectancy of patients diagno-
sed with GBM has improved to only approximately 14 months,
despite recent advances in the standard of care, which includes
gross surgical resection followed by concurrent radiotherapy and
chemotherapy with the DNA-alkylating agent temozolomide
(TMZ). Themolecular mechanisms that underlie high recurrence
rates and treatment resistance are poorly understood. This lecture
covers introduction to glioblastoma biology, the key pro-survival
pathways and their potential role as biomarkers and therapeutic
targets based on our previous studies and recent observations.
Supported by the Danish Council for Independent Research/
Medical Sciences ID4765/11-105457; Czech Ministry of Health
(NT11065-5); European Commission (projects Infla-Care,
CZ.1.07/2.3.00/20.0019, CZ.1.05/2.1.00/01.0030, DDResponse)
and the Lundbeckfonden.
Inhibitors of cytokine signaling
in prostate cancer
Culig Z.
Experimental Urology, Department of Urology,
Innsbruck Medical University
Activation of the transcription factor STAT3 in prostate can-
cer and in surrounding stroma is under control of endogenous
inhibitors of cytokine signaling to which SOCS and PIAS belong.
SOCS proteins may inhibit apoptosis but also migration in
prostate cancer cells. Different effects of SOCS-3 and -1 were
published in the scientific literature. Although SOCS-3 and
-1 are expressed at a high level in prostate cancer, SOCS-1 but
not SOCS-3 blocks cell cycle progression. Our recent studies
are focused on PIAS1, which is expressed in the majority of
prostate cancer cells and in tissue specimens. High levels of
PIAS1 lead to cellular proliferation and inhibition of p21. PIAS1
is also implicated in the regulation of programmed cell death in
human prostate cancer. Since PIAS1 is regulated by androgens
and androgen receptor, it may have an important role in pro-
state cancer progression. PIAS1 interaction with the androgen
receptor will be discussed. In summary, the proteins which are
largely implicated in control of cellular responses initiated by
proinflammatory cytokines (SOCS and PIAS) may stimulate or
inhibit progression of human prostate cancer, depending on
cellular context. Strategies for inhibition of SOCS and PIAS in
human prostate cancer may be therefore justified.
Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Cuvillier O.
Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale,
Toulouse Cedex, France
Focal therapy is an emerging approach for localized pro-
state cancer to reduce the morbidity associated with radical
therapy, while maintaining cancer control. There are a number
of focal therapy treatment strategies available, yet controversies
remains, notably treatment paradigms based on the index lesi-
on hypothesis, appropriate patient selection for focal therapy
and how the efficacy of focal therapy should be evaluated.
Controversies and emerging strategies that can influence tre-
atment outcomes for the future will be discussed.
High-throughput assessment of biopsy tissue
using infrared spectroscopic chemical imaging:
Can it be achieved on a clinically acceptable
timeframe?
Gardner P.
Manchester Institute of Biotechnology,
University of Manchester, Manchester
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) chemical imaging has been
demonstrated as a promising technique to construct automa-
ted systems to compliment histopathological evaluation of
biomedical tissue samples. Current histopathology practice
involves preparing thin tissue sections and depositing them
onto glass slides. After staining, most commonly haematoxylin
and eosin (H&E), a histopathologist visually evaluates the tissue.
This is a manual process and can be time consuming in cases
where several sections using different stains are required.
