New cancer therapies are being developed rapidly. But, many of the most promising therapies are targeted at the genetic expression common to a specific form of cancer. As a result, the therapies are only suited to some patients. For example, Herceptin is a breast cancer immunotherapy that targets cells that produce more of the HER2 protein than normal. About 25-30% of breast cancers fall into this category. These cancers are often treated with the monoclonal antibody drug Herceptin.
In order to determine whether a patient would benefit from a drug like Herceptin, new immunohistochemical (IHC) assays are being developed and used to analyze cancer cells. For example, the HercepTest developed by DAKO Corporation in Carpinteria, was tested in conjunction with immunotherapy clinical trials. IHC assays, such as the HercepTest, use specific antibodies to bind to cell receptors, making it possible to identify the receptors present in the tissue. IHC assays are helping to make cancer treatment more effective by better targeting the therapy.
Come learn how these assays are developed and what the future holds.
Rosanne Welcher is the Director of Immunocytochemistry Research & Development at DAKO Corporation in Carpinteria. She has a Ph.D. in Microbiology from UC Davis and an MBA from the University of LaVerne. She has three years of post-doctoral training at Harvard Medical School in immunology, and has worked for a variety of medical companies.
From the Co-Presidents: We are pleased to offer congratulations to Alvaro Frausto and Kenneth Vampola, recipients of 2002-2003 SEC Scholarships. Both are studying engineering. Mr. Frausto, SBHS '01, will be a sophomore ME major at UC/Berkeley; Mr. Vampola, San Marcos HS '99, will be a junior EE major at UCSB. It is through your generosity that SEC is able to continue to offer a helping hand to those studying science and engineering. Please visit the SEC website to learn more about the activities and interests of these impressive young men. We are also pleased to welcome the following new members: Wyatt Technology Corporation, Medtronic Neurosurgery, and Dale Lowdermilk. Thank you.