Breast Cancer Research at

Wilmot

The median age for a breast cancer diagnosis is 62, according to the American Cancer Society. Wilmot is a national leader for treating older adults with cancer — no matter what type — and has a large portfolio of studies geared toward enhancing elder patient care by understanding the whole person and how cancer can impact functionality, memory, and family support.

Most recently, geriatric oncologist Allison Magnuson, D.O., a breast cancer specialist, started a novel project for older patients with preexisting dementia. She was recently funded by a $2.5 million National Institute on Aging grant, to evaluate ways to improve communication between physicians and people with cognitive problems as they face breast cancer.

At the other end of the spectrum, several Wilmot scientists are investigating how breast cancer develops and spreads. Paula Vertino, Ph.D., the Wilmot Distinguished Professor in Cancer Genomics, is looking at breast cells with invasive potential and the underlying signals during the earliest steps in their migration toward metastasis. The goal is to reprogram cells to correct this aberrant behavior.

Another innovative project plunges into the root of cancer cells and how they behave — specifically, how breast cancer cells make their own antioxidants, which is their “food,” and then use the antioxidants to survive.

Isaac Harris, Ph.D., assistant professor of Biomedical Genetics and another recent Harvard University recruit, leads this research with advanced technologies and a thinkingoutside-the-norm strategic approach.

His scientific question: Is there something special about how cancer cells are feeding themselves? Is it different than normal tissue? He’s finding that antioxidants can be broken down into individual or groups of metabolites, essentially acting as storage facilities for tumor food.

Laboratory studies show that, generally, cancer cells need these metabolites to survive. Harris is trying to understand the process by which they obtain the metabolites. His developing views on how this occurs are different from other researchers. If his hypothesis is correct, the goal is to use currently available drugs to block the feeding of cancer cells.

“Our novel ideas,” he adds, “have been well-received in the scientific community.” In 2022, the National Cancer Institute funded Harris’ research with $1.9 million.

Tips to Reduce a Breast Cancer Recurrence

Five activities top the list of things to do to lower the risk of breast cancer returning, according to Wilmot breast oncologists:

1 Regular exercise

2 Keep a normal body weight, lifelong

3 Minimize alcohol consumption

4 Avoid tobacco products

5 Commit to a healthy diet for life

Exercise is a very powerful tool, when done regularly and faithfully. It’s never too late to start. If vigorous activities such as running or swimming are not possible, brisk walking, yoga, or tai chi also help.

As for diet, research shows that a plant-based or Mediterranean eating pattern, with little or no red meat and plenty of vegetables and extra virgin olive oil, is associated with a 62% relative lower risk of breast cancer compared to a standard diet. Focus on food in its natural form, such as choosing an apple instead of apple juice.

Stress is another important component to remaining healthy and cancerfree. Studies linking stress to cancer occurrence have mixed results, as stress is difficult to measure. What is stressful for one person, may not be stressful for the next. But oncologists suggest it’s important to find ways to relax and to make healthy living a priority.

Cooling Caps Reduce Hair Loss from Chemotherapy

In October 2022, Wilmot began offering the Paxman scalp-cooling treatment at the Pluta location for patients receiving certain types of chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Hair loss is one of the most troublesome side effects of chemotherapy, and cooling caps have been shown to minimize loss and enable faster, thicker hair growth after treatment. The Paxman cap was approved in 2017 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is most effective for patients receiving taxane-based chemotherapy. The cooling caps come with some side effects and are contraindicated in certain circumstances; anyone interested should speak to an oncologist about risks versus benefits.

Here’s how it works: Patients wear a tight cap (similar to a swimming cap) while a portable device pumps coolant into the cap to bring the scalp temperature down to 68-72 degrees while constricting the blood vessels. This occurs before a chemotherapy infusion begins. The cap remains in place during chemotherapy and stays connected for 60 to 90 minutes afterwards.

More than 20 Wilmot patients have used the cooling caps. Costs start at $350 a cycle, with a maximum out-of-pocket cost of $2,400 per patient in a lifetime. Some insurance plans will offer reimbursement, and the Pluta Cancer Center Foundation provides financial assistance to patients who qualify.

Coming Soon: Easier Access to Mammograms

UR Medicine Imaging will take mammograms on the road later this year when it launches a mobile coach vehicle to visit locations throughout the Rochester region. The focus will be on urban and rural areas to offer greater convenience to women whose access to health care is limited.

Scheduling mammograms at traditional imaging locations also is getting easier. MyChart now offers individuals the ability to choose a date and time that works best via the MyChart app or by visiting mychart.urmc.rochester.edu