CYP2D6 and Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen is prescribed for the treatment of breast cancer. Some breast cancer cells require estrogen to grow which occurs through its binding to the estrogen receptor.
Tamoxifen and its metabolites bind to the estrogen receptor, but do not activate it and prevents further estrogen from binding. Therefore, breast cancer cell growth is blocked.
Tamoxifen can be considered a pro-drug that requires metabolism to elicit its pharmacological activity. Evidence now suggests that endoxifen, a secondary metabolite of tamoxifen, is most responsible for tamoxifen activity. In fact, endoxifen is 100 times more potent as an anti-estrogen than tamoxifen itself.
Cytochrome p450 2D6 (CYP2D6) is the main liver enzyme that metabolises tamoxifen to endoxifen. A number of commonly occurring gene variants have been identified in the CYP2D6 gene that significantly reduces the enzyme activity of CYP2D6.
Approximately 10% of the Australian population have gene variants in their CYP2D6 gene that results in little or no enzyme activity. These individuals are known as poor metabolisers. As such, poor metabolisers may not receive the full medical benefit of tamoxifen therapy since they have little capacity to metabolise tamoxifen to endoxifen.

Decoding Annie Parker

A new movie Decoding Annie Parker follows the incredible, irreverent and heartwarming story of how the paths of cancer survivor Annie Parker and geneticist Mary-Claire King intersect. With grace and humor the film chronicles how these remarkable women work to make one of the most important genetic discoveries of the 20th century. Starring Helen Hunt , Samantha Morton.

A new movie recently hit select theatres; “Decoding Annie Parker” is based on a true story centering around the lives of Annie Parker, a now three-time breast cancer survivor, and geneticist Mary-Claire King, who believed there was a link between DNA and certain types of breast cancer — and then found that link.
Samantha Morton plays the role of Annie Parker, Helen Hunt plays Dr. Mary-Claire King, and Aaron Paul stars as Annie’s husband, Paul. Other castmates include Rashida Jones and Bradley Whitford.

Read more at http://blog.thebreastcancersite.com/decoding-annie-parker/#q5qBBGVogTEb2ToO.99

A new movie recently hit select theatres; “Decoding Annie Parker” is based on a true story centering around the lives of Annie Parker, a now three-time breast cancer survivor, and geneticist Mary-Claire King, who believed there was a link between DNA and certain types of breast cancer — and then found that link.
Samantha Morton plays the role of Annie Parker, Helen Hunt plays Dr. Mary-Claire King, and Aaron Paul stars as Annie’s husband, Paul. Other castmates include Rashida Jones and Bradley Whitford.

Read more at http://blog.thebreastcancersite.com/decoding-annie-parker/#q5qBBGVogTEb2ToO.99

A new movie recently hit select theatres; “Decoding Annie Parker” is based on a true story centering around the lives of Annie Parker, a now three-time breast cancer survivor, and geneticist Mary-Claire King, who believed there was a link between DNA and certain types of breast cancer — and then found that link.
Samantha Morton plays the role of Annie Parker, Helen Hunt plays Dr. Mary-Claire King, and Aaron Paul stars as Annie’s husband, Paul. Other castmates include Rashida Jones and Bradley Whitford.

Read more at http://blog.thebreastcancersite.com/decoding-annie-parker/#q5qBBGVogTEb2ToO.99

A new movie recently hit select theatres; “Decoding Annie Parker” is based on a true story centering around the lives of Annie Parker, a now three-time breast cancer survivor, and geneticist Mary-Claire King, who believed there was a link between DNA and certain types of breast cancer — and then found that link.
Samantha Morton plays the role of Annie Parker, Helen Hunt plays Dr. Mary-Claire King, and Aaron Paul stars as Annie’s husband, Paul. Other castmates include Rashida Jones and Bradley Whitford.

Read more at http://blog.thebreastcancersite.com/decoding-annie-parker/#q5qBBGVogTEb2ToO.99

Budget makes life harder for those with breast cancer | Breast Cancer Network Australia

Budget makes life harder for those with breast cancer | Breast Cancer Network Australia

Beautiful Vege Soup . Perfect for those undergoing chemo

20 Minute Vegetable Soup This delicious soup serves four people Ingredients 1 cup leek, washed, sliced thin 1 cup carrot, grated or diced 1 cup celery, diced 1 tsp thyme leaves 1 tomato, seeded, chopped 1 pinch salt 1 pinch pepper, fresh cracked 4 oz parmesan or firm dried aged cheese, grated 1 crusty French-style baguette 1 quart chicken broth Instructions 1. In a heavy-bottomed sauce pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Reduce heat to a moderate simmer. 2. To the simmering chicken broth add the leek, carrot, celery and thyme. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. When vegetables have finished simmering, add the tomato and taste. Adjust seasoning with the salt and pepper. Remove soup from heat. 4. Add the grated cheese and stir well to combine. 5. To serve, ladle some of the soup into a large soup-style plate. Garnish with a large piece of crusty French-style baguette. - See more at: http://www.pinkribboncooking.com/recipe/detail1/20-minute-vegetable-soup#sthash.6rejc8YB.dpuf

The importance of leaving a will

Whether you are fighting cancer or you are young and healthy , everyone should have a will. Even if you only have a handful of belongings, it is important to have it documented to whom in your family should get what. I know of so many families, including my own, where there have been so many arguments and disputes after a persons death because there was no will . There is always, rightly or wrongly, someone in a family who will think that they have the rights to take control of the estate. Death of a loved one can and usually does cause family conflict, by having a will you can avoid that for your loved ones.

Pink Lady BCNA

Wow! Beautiful, wish I could have been there too

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