Kathy D. Miller, MD
Associate Professor
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
What separates a cancer cell from a normal cell? Though a simple answer remains elusive, several hallmarks of cancer have been identified. Some critical features include uncontrolled growth, invasion of surrounding and distant tissues (metastasis), and the development of a larger blood supply (angio-genesis). The most successful therapies to date inhibit cell growth via the estrogen receptor (tamoxifen and other hormonal therapies) and HER2 pathways (Herceptin). Further therapeutic advances require new strategies that attack other hallmarks of malignancy.
Each of these hallmarks presents a therapeutic opportunity. Dr. Miller's preliminary data suggest that an old drug, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), inhibits two hallmarks of cancer - metastasis and angiogenesis – in estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor negative breast cancers. This year she proposes to test this hypothesis in a phase II clinical trial with clinical and biologic endpoints.
Mid-Year Progress Report:
Dr. Miller's preliminary data suggest that an old drug, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), inhibits two hallmarks of cancer - metastasis and angiogenesis - in estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor negative breast cancers. A phase II clinical trial to test this idea has just begun to enroll patients. The trial includes both clinical and biologic endpoints to maximize the information gained. Other projects are developing: 1) new tracers to evaluate the response of breast cancer to treatment using non-invasive imaging techniques; and 2) ways to use white blood cells that naturally infiltrate the tumor to deliver therapy.
Mid-Year Progress Report:
Dr. Miller's preliminary data suggest that an old drug, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), inhibits two hallmarks of cancer - metastasis and angiogenesis - in estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor negative breast cancers. A phase II clinical trial to test this idea has just begun to enroll patients. The trial includes both clinical and biologic endpoints to maximize the information gained. Other projects are developing: 1) new tracers to evaluate the response of breast cancer to treatment using non-invasive imaging techniques; and 2) ways to use white blood cells that naturally infiltrate the tumor to deliver therapy.
Bio:
Dr Kathy Miller is Associate Professor and Sheila D. Ward Scholar at the Indiana University School of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology. She is an active member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group and the Hoosier Oncology Group.
She received her B.S. in biology Magna Cum Laude from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, and her M.D. from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. She completed her internship as well as her residency at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine followed by a Hematology/Oncology fellowship at Indiana University.
Her research interests focus on the role of angiogenesis in breast cancer. This interests spans departmental boundaries and has taken several forms: laboratory evaluation of the modalities that measure tumor-associated vasculature, and clinical trials of anti-angiogenic agents.
