An Oregon Health and Science University study, led by Dr. Shiuh-Wen Luoh, an assistant professor of hematology and medical oncology, found the presence of the protein, called growth factor receptor-bound protein-7, or GRB-7. is strongly related to the growth and spread of the cancer.

The GRB-7 protein previously has been shown to be important to cell communication in the spread of cancer.

Researchers analyzed 563 primary breast cancer specimens. The samples were collected during a 20-year period for the OHSU Cancer Institute Breast Tumor and Clinical Data Repository.

The study showed one in six breast tumors have high GRB-7 protein levels. The tumors have more aggressive, fast-growing and fast-spreading characteristics.

The research that included Professor Edward Keenan and researchers Tao Bai and Betsy Ramsey was presented Sunday in San Diego during the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.