| Name | J. Nicholas Bodor |
| Institution | Fox Chase Cancer Center/Temple University |
| Research Field | Clinical Cancer Research |
| Role at Institution | Post-Doctoral Fellow |
| Presenter(s) | J. Nicholas Bodor, Daniel Krzizke, Deric Savior, Andy J. Andrews, Eric A. Ross, Camille Ragin, Joseph Treat, Margie L. Clapper |
The Impact of Estrogen Metabolism and Cigarette Smoking on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer(NSCLC) Risk in African American Women: A Pilot Study in Progress
J. Nicholas Bodor1, Daniel D. Krzizke1, Deric Savior2, Andy J. Andrews1, Eric A. Ross1, Camille Ragin1, Joseph Treat1, Margie L. Clapper1
1 Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC), Philadelphia, PA; 2 Temple University Hospital (TUH), Philadelphia, PA
The incidence of NSCLC is higher in African Americans than other racial groups. This disparity may have biological underpinnings as prior work suggests that African Americans may be more susceptible to smoking-related lung cancer. Although the reasons for this remain unclear, emerging data suggest that estrogen metabolites contribute to NSCLC development. Research by our group indicates the lung can metabolize estrogen to several derivatives, including a putative carcinogen, 4-hydroxyestrogen (4-OHE). Levels of 4-OHE are elevated in NSCLC tumors as compared to paired non-neoplastic tissue and we recently discovered enhanced production of 4-OHE in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC, a cancer subtype found primarily in never-smokers. Additionally, our research indicates smoking induces cytochrome 1B1, the enzyme responsible for 4-OHE production, leading to greater levels of this carcinogen. This pilot study explores the mechanism by which African American women may be more susceptible to smoking-related NSCLC and will determine if estrogen metabolism contributes to increased risk. This will be evaluated by analyzing urine specimens from postmenopausal African American and White women (N=100). Levels of 4-OHE and other estrogen species will be quantified using an established UPLC-MS/MS assay and data will be analyzed with respect to smoking (current vs. never), race, and cancer status (NSCLC vs. cancer-free). Urine specimens from cancer-free African American women in the Philadelphia area are awaiting analysis and specimens from NSCLC patients are pending collection from TUH and FCCC clinics. Findings from this study will facilitate the identification of hormone-based biomarkers of cancer risk and inform novel therapeutic interventions.
Email questions and comments about this abstract to Joseph.Bodor@tuhs.temple.edu.