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Uterine lining in health and cancer
Posted 28 August 2010
Media Announcement: 28 August 2010
Contact: Ian Muchamore +61 3 9549 4049
Secrets of uterine lining in health and cancer
Dr Evdokia Dimitriadis, a researcher at Prince Henry’s Institute, is to be recognised as a new and emerging contributor to a rapidly developing research field uncovering the biological secrets that control the monthly renewal of tissues that line the uterus. Her most recent research discoveries may lead to earlier diagnosis and new targeted treatments for uterine cancer.
Dr Dimitriadis will receive the 2010 Award for Excellence in Reproductive Biology Research on Sunday 29 August at the Society for Reproductive Biology Scientific Conference in Sydney.
The research team at Prince Henry’s Institute in Melbourne has a special interest in the lining of the uterus which is shed and regenerates, under the control of hormones, every month a woman has a menstrual cycle. The health status of the uterine lining is a key factor in establishing a successful pregnancy.
Health conditions where there are problems in the monthly renewal of this lining are strongly linked to impaired fertility and successful IVF treatment. Some problems in the uterine lining, such as abnormal bleeding, may also be a precursor or indicator of the development of uterine cancer. Uterine cancer is the most common gynaecological malignancy with 1 in 80 women diagnosed by the age of 75 years. However if the cancer is detected at the very earliest stages it can often be successfully treated.
In findings published earlier this year Dr Dimitriadis and colleagues showed that a molecular marker, Interleukin 11, can be detected in women with early stage uterine cancer. They suggest that the molecule could be a useful diagnostic cancer marker. A key advantage of the team’s approach is that the test for the marker can be undertaken using a simple procedure which washes the uterus lining with a salt solution rather than requiring a tissue sample to be cut out of the womb.
The research team is now examining how this key molecule is involved in both normal uterine function and health conditions where problems arise.
“We have also shown that Interleukin 11 is a central molecule in the development of the placenta during pregnancy. In early pregnancy there is a very precisely controlled invasion of cells from the placenta into the uterine lining. We now believe the same molecule may also be critical in uncontrolled growth of cells which go on to form uterine cancer.” says Dr Dimitriadis.
Further research is also developing targeted agents that would that block the action of Interleukin 11 in uterine cancer.
Further information about research into new treatments for endometrial cancer.