Ochsner's Seventh Annual Research Night, May 11, 2010, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA

Conclusions: FDC-derived Notch ligand (Jagged-1) is a key factor for development of drug resistance by rescuing B lymphoma cells from apoptosis induced by chemotherapy. [...]blocking Notch signals from FDC in combination with the current therapy might be more effective in preventing relapse. 2 ROLE OF MACROPHAGES IN HUMAN B LYMPHOMA PROGRESSION Background: The tumor microenvironment is characterized by a reactive stroma with an abundance of inflammatory mediators and leukocytes, dysregulated vessels, and proteolytic enzymes. Conclusions: Interactions between tumor cells and macrophages are important in regulating the cancer cytokine/chemokine microenvironment, thus emphasizing the functional roles of TAMø in the control of the growth and survival of lymphoma cells. 3 INTERACTION OF BREAST CANCER WITH FOLLICULAR DENDRITIC CELLS INDUCES THE METASTASIS TO DISTANT ORGANS Background: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. Nonmalignant cells play important roles in modulating tumor progression. [...]better in vivo models that enable tumor microenvironment studies are necessary. Conclusions: Identification of key microenvironmental components in tumorigenesis may present prognostic significances and implications in developing targeted therapeutic strategies to improve cancer treatment. 6 LYN INHIBITION INDUCES APOPTOSIS IN CELL LINES DERIVED FROM TUMORS IN KAPOSI SARCOMA-ASSOCIATED HERPES VIRUS K1 TRANSGENIC MICE Background: Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) has been associated with all forms of Kaposi sarcoma and with certain lymphoproliferative disorders.