Angela Hartley Brodie

Angela Hartley Brodie (1934 – June 7, 2017) was a pioneering British-American pharmacologist and scientist renowned for her groundbreaking work in the development of aromatase inhibitors. Her research has had a profound impact on the treatment of hormone-responsive breast cancer, offering an effective alternative to traditional therapies and significantly improving the prognosis for many patients.

Early Life and Education

Angela Hartley Brodie was born in Manchester, England, in 1934. She pursued her passion for science at the University of Sheffield, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Brodie continued her academic journey at the University of Sheffield, completing her Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Her doctoral research focused on steroid biochemistry, laying the foundation for her future contributions to cancer therapy.

Career and Research

After completing her Ph.D., Brodie moved to the United States to further her research. She joined the faculty at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where she spent the majority of her career. It was here that Brodie embarked on her pioneering work in the development of aromatase inhibitors.

Brodie's research was driven by the understanding that estrogen plays a crucial role in the growth of hormone-responsive breast cancers. She hypothesized that inhibiting aromatase, the enzyme responsible for estrogen synthesis, could effectively reduce estrogen levels and thus slow the growth of these cancers. This led to the development of the first generation of aromatase inhibitors, including formestane and exemestane, which have become standard treatments for postmenopausal women with hormone-responsive breast cancer.

Impact and Legacy

Angela Hartley Brodie's work has had a lasting impact on the field of oncology. Aromatase inhibitors, the class of drugs she helped develop, are now a cornerstone in the treatment of breast cancer, significantly improving survival rates and quality of life for patients. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research.

Brodie's legacy extends beyond her scientific achievements. She was a mentor to many young scientists, encouraging a new generation of researchers to pursue innovative solutions in the fight against cancer. Her dedication to her work and her impact on the lives of cancer patients worldwide continue to inspire those in the field of oncology and beyond.

Death

Angela Hartley Brodie passed away on June 7, 2017, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Her death marked the loss of a visionary scientist whose work has forever changed the landscape of breast cancer treatment.

See Also

• Breast Cancer
• Aromatase Inhibitor
• Oncology
• Pharmacology