Distinctive Responsiveness to Stromal Signaling Accompanies Histologic Grade Programming of Cancer Cells
2011

Stromal Signaling and Cancer Cell Behavior

Sample size: 258 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Luciani Maria Gloria, Seok Junhee, Sayeed Aejaz, Champion Stacey, Goodson William H., Jeffrey Stefanie S., Xiao Wenzhong, Mindrinos Michael, Davis Ronald W., Dairkee Shanaz H.

Primary Institution: California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute

Hypothesis

Does stromal signaling influence the growth and behavior of cancer cells?

Conclusion

The study reveals that stromal signaling significantly affects the gene expression and behavior of breast cancer cells, influencing their aggressiveness and response to treatment.

Supporting Evidence

  • Proximity to fibroblasts altered gene expression in breast cancer cells.
  • The FTExT classifier predicted distant relapse in breast cancer patients.
  • Stromal signaling influenced cell cycle progression and therapy resistance.

Takeaway

This study shows that the environment around cancer cells can change how they grow and respond to treatments, which can help doctors predict how aggressive a cancer might be.

Methodology

The study involved analyzing gene expression profiles of breast cancer cells in the presence and absence of fibroblast coculture.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in the selection of cell lines and fibroblast sources.

Limitations

The study may not account for all variables in tumor microenvironments and relies on specific cell lines.

Participant Demographics

Breast cancer cell lines of varying histologic grades were used.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.01

Confidence Interval

95% CI 1.17–3.80

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0020016

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