MBC 101: Tumor Microenvironment with Dr. Amy Beumer
Have you ever wondered how our cancer metastasizes? Why is it that some treatments just don’t work? Can we as patients living with MBC alter cellular level activity? In this episode, you will hear the answers to these questions and more. Join us as we take a step back to the basics of tumor microenvironment with our guest, Dr. Amy Beumer, who will break down the science into smaller, digestible bites. In this lively discussion, Dr. Amy explains the how and the why of this tough topic. You will hear her say “This is fun” and use engaging, relatable metaphors like “Picture your neighborhood and that one neighbor…..” By the end, I assure you that you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of tumor microenvironment than when you started.
Pull up a chair, listen in your car, or on your daily walk, we are with you wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Terms and other resources are provided in the episode notes.
Episode Notes
Definitions:
1. Tumor infiltrating lymphocyte - part of the body’s natural defense against cancer, white blood cells that move from the blood into a tumor to identify and kill cancer cells
2. Angiogenesis - the process of new blood vessels forming from existing blood vessels in the body
4. T cells - part of the immune system, they directly attack infected cells or help regulate the immune response by sending signals to other cells
5. Tumor Associated Macrophages (TAMs) - involved in the formation of the tumor in the tumor microenvironment; plays a critical role in tumor growth and progression
6. Extracellular matrix - network of proteins that support cells and tissues in the body
7. Tumor migration (also known as metastasis) - the process by which cancer cells migrate or move/spread from the original tumor to other parts of the body
8. Research Advocate- a person who publicly supports a particular cause or policy related to research to help patients understand scientific information and findings that may help them
9. Biomarkers - molecules or characteristics that can indicate a normal or abnormal process, condition or disease in a cell or organism; biomarkers can help us understand and treat a disease - PDL 1 is a type of biomarker)
Clinical Trial Info:
Gemcitabine + NK Cells Trial for HER2 Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer
Targeted Agent & Profiling Utilization Registry Study (TAPUR)
Meet the Guest of the Episode
Amy Beumer, PhD
Dr. Beumer was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer in 2017 and metastatic breast cancer in 2020. In her previous life she was a biology professor teaching various microbiology and introductory biology courses as well as conducting research in drinking water microbiology and team learning. Currently, she is upping her knowledge of cancer research, advocating, and getting as much traveling, hiking, reading, gardening and time with friends and family in as possible. Her current advocacy focuses on peer support and mentoring as well as research advocacy.
