Angela Hartley Brodie

American biochemist and pharmacologist

Angela Hartley Brodie

Angela Hartley Brodie (28 September 1934 – 7 June 2017) was a pioneering biochemist and pharmacologist known for her groundbreaking work in the development of aromatase inhibitors, a class of drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer. Her research significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of hormone-dependent cancers.

Early Life and Education

Angela Hartley was born in Manchester, England. She pursued her undergraduate studies in biochemistry at the University of Sheffield, where she developed a keen interest in the biochemical processes underlying human health and disease. She continued her education at the University of Manchester, earning a PhD in pharmacology. Her doctoral research focused on the mechanisms of hormone action, laying the foundation for her future work in cancer research.

Career and Research

After completing her PhD, Brodie moved to the United States to join the University of Maryland School of Medicine. It was here that she began her seminal work on aromatase inhibitors. Aromatase is an enzyme that converts androgens into estrogens, and its inhibition is crucial in reducing estrogen levels in postmenopausal women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer.

Brodie's research led to the development of the first selective aromatase inhibitor, which was initially tested in animal models before progressing to clinical trials in humans. Her work demonstrated that these inhibitors could effectively reduce tumor size and improve survival rates in patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

Impact and Legacy

Angela Brodie's contributions to cancer treatment have had a lasting impact on the field of oncology. Aromatase inhibitors are now a standard treatment for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, significantly improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Throughout her career, Brodie received numerous awards and honors, including the Kettering Prize and the American Association for Cancer Research's Women in Cancer Research Charlotte Friend Memorial Lectureship. Her work continues to inspire researchers and clinicians in the ongoing fight against cancer.

Personal Life

Angela Brodie was married to Harry Brodie, a fellow scientist, with whom she collaborated on several research projects. They had two children. Brodie was known for her dedication to her work and her passion for mentoring young scientists.

Related Pages

• Breast cancer
• Aromatase inhibitor
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry