Linking DNA methylation to Aspirin use and breast cancer survival

In women diagnosed with first primary breast cancer (BC), a closer look to epigenetic might be the “ace in the hole” to better understand the link between Aspirin use and prognosis and to refine patients stratification and risk-reducing strategies. Findings from a study recently published in Cancer suggest that the global and tissue-specific DNA methylation patterns account, at least in part, for the differences in the association between mortality rates and pre-diagnosis Aspirin use in this population. As reported in the paper, several studies have shown a role for Aspirin in reducing the risk of developing BC, while other analyses reported no association between Aspirin use and mortality after BC diagnosis.

“The underlying biological mechanisms and epidemiological findings on Aspirin use in relation to prognosis and mortality after BC are limited and inconsistent” said the authors, led by the Tengteng Wang, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (USA). “BC progression is most likely a multifactorial condition involving complex interactions among genetic/epigenetic and estrogen-related and inflammation-related factors” they added, underlying that from a biological point of view it’s plausible that Aspirin works together with some chemical changes to the DNA structure (the so-called epigenetic, including DNA methylation) to influence the prognosis in BC patients.

To test their hypothesis, Wang and colleagues analysed data from 1,266 women with BC and followed up for mortality. For the participants, the promoter methylation status of 13 BC-related genes including BRCA1 and the progesterone receptor (PR) – was measured, together with the global methylation in peripheral blood. Results showed that all-cause mortality increased by 67% among Aspirin users (defined as women who had used medications containing Aspirin at least once a week for 6 months or longer before BC diagnosis) who harboured a methylated promoter of BRCA1, while the increase was not observed in those with unmethylated promoter of that same gene. On the other hand, Aspirin users with unmethylated promoters of BRCA1 and PR and global hypermethylation showed a decrease in BC specific mortality. “Future research…should include a larger sample size to allow the examination of patterns of aspirin use and an enlarged panel of genes to explore the role of genetic predisposition in driving overall genetic instability on survival after BC diagnosis” authors concluded. “Studies like that by Wang et al suggest the time is right to advance cancer research using epigenetics as a promising tool to support novel discoveries and clinical advancement” Kristen M.C. Malecki, University of Wisconsin, Madison (USA).

About – Taj Oncology

Taj Oncology’s vision is to become a world class player in oncology through excellence in innovation, discovery of new manufacturing processes / drug delivery mechanisms and consistently high quality of production.

We commenced operations in 1994 with the inauguration of our ultra-modern facility for the production of generics and formulations for oncology and other therapeutic applications. We are one of the pioneers in India in lyophilization.

We identified, very early, the need for achieving self – sufficiency in formulations as well as in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) , and our achievements reflect this focus. We launched our (APIs) in year 1994 & now have to our credit a number of new manufacturing processes & drug delivery mechanisms.

We have a manufacturing plant located at Tarapur, Thane in Maharashtra State. This facility meets the current Good Manufacturing Practices norms as laid down by the World Health Organization.

Our marketing spans domestic and overseas operations. With a network across the Indian sub-continent and market penetration in several countries across four continents, we are on our way to meeting our target of reaching out to cancer patients, worldwide.

Taj Pharmaceuticals, is a generics pharmaceuticals company with product range exceeding 4600 compositions under all therapeutic categories

Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited manufactures and distributes medicines. The company’s products include prescription solutions, lifesaving drugs, anti-cancer drugs, veterinary products, consumer brands, and CNS drugs. It focuses on medicines of anemia, anxiety disorders, cancer/oncology, ear infections, heart failure, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, influenza, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, obesity, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, pneumonia, transplantation, and common diseases. Taj Pharmaceuticals India Business is headquartered in Mumbai, India.

Taj Pharmaceuticals is the global leader in generics and one of the India’s top ten pharmaceutical companies. Taj Pharma India play a leading role in therapeutic areas such as cancer, virology and transplantation. The combined strengths of Taj Pharma generics and pharmaceuticals businesses, coupled with expertise in the emerging genetic sciences, equip us to develop integrated healthcare solutions and therapeutic approaches tailored to individual patients’ needs. Taj Pharmaceutical’s products and services address the entire healthcare spectrum, from screening for genetic risk factors, to preventing, diagnosing and treating disease, and monitoring the treatment response.

Taj Pharma India delivers a unique contribution to better healthcare. Taj Pharma India aim to reduce suffering and improve health and quality of life of people all around the world. At Taj Pharmaceuticals, Taj Pharma India have pursued this mission with patience, dedication, imagination and skill, for over a century. Taj Pharma vision is to develop targeted medicines and diagnostic tools that combine to offer patients, physicians and payers better, safer, more cost-effective healthcare.

Once again, welcome to Taj Pharmaceuticals, a great company that is translating a great vision into reality – We Innovate Generics Healthcare.

Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited is committed to earning the trust of doctors, patients and customers every day. Taj Pharma colleagues worldwide believe that trust is not easily granted, and that is the reason Taj Pharma India focus each day on becoming a champion for Taj Pharma stakeholders.

During the past ten years, Taj Pharmaceuticals Group has been building a new kind of health care company. Throughout Taj Pharma Group (India), there’s a desire to build long-term relationships with Taj Pharma stakeholders based on mutual confidence. This is evident in many ways. Taj Pharma scientists are earning trust through the discovery and development of innovative, science-based medicines and services that improve the health and overall well-being of people around the world. Taj Pharma sales professionals, marketing teams, colleagues working at Taj Pharma plants and others throughout the organization at all levels of responsibility take each day as a fresh opportunity to earn trust.

All of this takes hard work, sharp execution, integrity and transparency on the part of Taj Pharmaceuticals Group colleagues. Taj Pharma global team is working to sustain and expand innovative new treatments. Taj Pharma India’re determined to do Taj Pharma part to increase access to better health care for all people. And, Taj Pharma India is focused on becoming the best in three key strategic areas: people, products and processes.

Taj Pharma India’re beginning to see the results of Taj Pharma efforts, but believe the best is yet to come. The test of being a true champion is to never give up and to passionately strive for even better outcomes. From Taj Pharma perspective as a health care company, that means helping people around the world live better and live longer.The product range includes major generic drugs under therapeutic category such as anti-cancer drugs, CNS drugs; Key category of products includes generic medicines for anemia, anxiety disorders, cancer/oncology, ear infections, heart failure, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, influenza, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, obesity, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, pneumonia, transplantation and common diseases.