Grant To Study Breast Cancer Reconstruction Received By Clemson Researchers
November 29, 2011
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The Avon Foundation for Females has awarded the Clemson University Institute for Biological Interfaces of Engineering a $195,000 grant to support study to develop new ways to improve reconstructive breast surgery using engineered tissue that contains anti-cancer properties.
“We’re working on an injectable cell-based biomaterial that will be designed to reduce tumor recurrence,” said Karen Burg, institute director and Hunter Endowed Chair of Bioengineering. “Our investigation is in the intersection of biology and engineering. We are particularly excited due to the fact it really is the first time that the Avon Foundation for Girls has funded this form of interdisciplinary study, and it is wonderful that they’ve recognized the possible of collaborative work.”
The project is focused on improving reconstructive surgery performed on breast tissue following a lumpectomy. Healthy cells from the patient would be combined with a degradable biomaterial that has anti-cancer properties. The tissue-biomaterial would be injected, following the lumpectomy, into the patient. Prior studies have shown the creating tissue fills the tissue defect as the material is gradually absorbed into the body.
Burg said the concept of an injectable biomaterial for breast tissue reconstruction is becoming tested in animal models and the anti-cancer biomaterial is being developed in a laboratory-engineered tissue method in the institute.
The grant was awarded to Burg and Clemson research assistant professor Brian Booth. The announcement of the grant was produced in Charlotte, N.C., at the 2009 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, which raised $2.3 million to advance access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer.
Located at Clemson University, the Institute for Biological Interfaces of Engineering can be a South Carolina-based interdisciplinary investigation and educational unit integrating faculty member activities from the five Clemson University colleges. Its goal will be the development of laboratory-engineered tissue systems that can be employed to study new medical implants and disease processes or to develop new therapies and preventatives.
Source: Susan Polowczuk
Clemson University
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