Susan G. Komen® Awards new metastatic breast cancer research grant

The fourth metastatic breast cancer research grant funded by Komen’s Metastatic Breast Cancer Collaborative Research Initiative

2023-07-27

(Press-News.org) Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, announced the fourth MBC-focused research grant supported through the Komen Metastatic Breast Cancer Collaborative Research Initiative (MBCCRI), a collaboration between Komen, Duke Cancer Institute and the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, which pairs researchers from each of the organizations to work together and address significant gaps in our knowledge about MBC to advance patient care and improve patient outcomes.

In 2021, Komen’s MBCCRI awarded $1.5 million for three research projects focused on finding new ways to prevent, detect, and treat metastatic and aggressive breast cancers and overcoming the inequities that lead certain people and communities to have higher rates of mortality from breast cancer.

“Currently there is no cure for MBC, however, through each innovative research project, we are one step closer to ending this disease,” said Paula Schneider, Komen’s president and CEO. “Our vision of a world without breast cancer would not be possible without investments like these that change our understanding of MBC and how it affects communities.”

Thanks to funds raised by individuals and organizations in North Carolina and across the country, this new grant will be awarded to a research team led by Katherine Reeder-Hayes, M.D., MBA, M.S. of the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Devon Check, Ph.D. of Duke Cancer Institute. The $499,998.70 grant will support their project to better understand the key social determinants of health and corresponding biological data related to inflammation, chronic stress, and immune system changes that impact MBC outcomes. This clinical trial and research study will help better understand racial disparities in breast cancer to improve outcomes for individuals with MBC.

For more information on Komen grants, please visit www.komen.org.

About MBCCRI
The Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Collaborative Research Initiative is a first-of-its-kind collaborative effort that is bringing together the best and brightest researchers at Duke Cancer Institute and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center to find breakthrough discoveries to end MBC. This research will transform MBC from a terminal diagnosis to a chronic disease, giving patients and their families the priceless gift of time.

About Susan G. Komen®

Susan G. Komen® is the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow’s cures. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.

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