Experimental cancer treatment to be focus of first Hangin’ With Zwisch research colloquium

Sabine Brouxhon, MD, a new member of the UK Department of Surgery research faculty, will present an overview of her findings into a promising cancer treatment strategy at the inaugural “Hangin’ With Zwisch” research colloquium at noon, Tuesday, October 20, in the MN 263 auditorium.

Since 2009, Dr. Brouxhon’s research has focused on the function of soluble E-cadherin (sEcad) on certain receptors that promote the growth and spread of cancer cells. Soluble E-cadherin, Brouxhon explained, occurs when the glycoprotein E-cadherin, which plays an important function in the binding of normal epithelial cells and, ironically, in cancer suppression, is “clipped” by a type of protease.

Related studies have shown that the presence of sEcad is a marker for breast cancer, but Brouxhon has taken that observation further. She has developed a possible cancer treatment pathway involving the use of antibodies against sEcad which has been observed to kill several types of cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. The therapy has thus far shown consistent, replicable results, she commented.

Dr. Brouxhon holds several domestic and international patents including those involved with her proposed form of cancer therapy (Stony Brook University, New York), and detection of a diagnostic marker in neurodegeneration (University of Rochester, New York). She is also involved with several business start-ups outside of her present research.

“Hangin’ With Zwisch” Research Colloquium is a continuing lecture series profiling the cutting edge medical research ongoing within the UK Department of Surgery.

Lunch will be provided to those who register in advance for this presentation. Contact Linda Combs at 323-2071 or by email at Lcomb4@uky.edu by Monday, Oct. 19 to register.