Page 74 - _NIPER-G Annual Report 2019-201

Research Area 2

Cancer Biology and Metabolic adaptations
Targeting estrogen receptor remains the primary choice of treatment against breast
cancer as nearly, one-third of newly diagnosed breast cancers are estrogen receptor
alpha positive. ERα modulators, such as tamoxifen, have been well proven for
improved survival rate of women with early and advanced breast cancers. The primary
challenge in the long-term efficacy of this therapy is the development of acquired
resistance in most of the cases. Breast cancer cells frequently experience low oxygen
condition, termed as hypoxia, and nutrition deprived condition, a major biochemical

feature in their tumor microenvironment and often correlates with poor response to
hormonal and chemotherapy.

Emerging reports suggest that targeting the tumor microenvironment could be an
important strategy to overcome drug resistance and improve the therapeutic efficacy.
Biotechnology department is focusing on to understand the molecular cross talk that
links mitochondrial dynamics to acquired tamoxifen resistance under biochemical
tumor microenvironments, such as low nutrition and hypoxia. Identification of novel
targets and development of anti-cancer therapies which could overcome acquired
resistance and improving the quality of life.

NIPER-G 71