Research Trial:
Researchers at Monash Medical Centre, Clayton in collaboration with the World Health Organisation are trialing a new male contraceptive method. We need healthy couples living in a stable relationship and not planning pregnancy for two years.
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Estrogen is a major factor in breast cancer development. After menopause, the ovaries cease to produce estrogen, however the incidence of breast cancer continues to increase with age. The cells of the fatty tissue of the breast express aromatase, the enzyme responsible for estrogen manufacture. Our research indicates that aromatase expression in the breast tissue increases with age, suggesting that this could be the source of estrogen responsible for the development of breast cancer in the elderly. Drugs such as Tamoxifen are used for treating breast cancer, and although it blocks estrogen action in the breast, it actually acts as an estrogen in bone and the uterus. This is beneficial in terms of bone mineralisation, but increases the risk of uterine cancer, and the number of hot flushes. Aromatase inhibitors also have side effects, particularly the potential for loss of bone density. Our research is directed towards finding ways to stop estrogen production in the breast itself, while maintaining normal levels in the other target tissues of the body.