Research
Investing in the Future of Breast Cancer Research “At a time when federal funding for scientific research is increasingly limited and complicated, Komen’s investment is helping sustain critical momentum in the search for breakthroughs. Demand exceeds currently available government funding, creating growing challenges for scientists — particularly early-career investigators — whose groundbreaking ideas often face […]
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer that’s challenging to treat. Making up about 15-20% of all breast cancers, TNBC lacks three common tumor characteristics (biomarkers) that breast cancer treatments usually target: the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2 protein. Without these biomarkers, the cancer tests negative for all three, meaning it cannot be treated with standard hormonal therapies or HER2-targeted medications. Because TNBC tumors tend to recur (come back) within the first five years and with limited treatment options, it’s a high […]
Over the past 30 years, 31 FDA-approved breast cancer drugs have a connection to Komen. “We are able to show the points along the research pathway for each of the 31 drugs where Komen funding has helped in development and eventual clinical use, either through investments in direct studies or investments in people doing the research,” she said.
Real-world evidence involves gathering information about how a drug performs in routine clinical practice, outside of clinical trials. Knowing the real-world impact of a drug can help patients and their doctors make more informed decisions about their treatment. In this episode of Breast Cancer Breakthroughs, we speak with Komen Scholar Donald McDonnell; Ph.D., medical oncologist Maryam Lustberg, M.D., M.P.H.; and METAvivor President Kelly Shanahan, M.D., as they talk about the real-world evidence and clinical use of oral selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs), how these drugs have […]
Despite some progress, treatment advancements have lagged for metastatic triple negative breast cancer (mTNBC). New, more effective treatment options for mTNBC are urgently needed. In this episode of Breast Cancer Breakthroughs, we speak with Komen Scientific Advisory Board member Lisa Newman, M.D., M.P.H.; former Komen grantee, Aditya Bardia, M.D., M.P.H.; and medical oncologist Sarah Sammons, M.D., as they discuss what’s new for those living with mTNBC. What are the biggest unmet needs for mTNBC? For many years, chemotherapy was the only treatment option for mTNBC. For Komen Advocate-in-Science member Janice Cowden, chemotherapy was […]
Missy was vacationing in Hawaii with her family when a sudden shortness of breath caught her by surprise. She was already four and a half years past her diagnosis and subsequent treatment of stage 1 breast cancer. After having a double mastectomy, Missy’s doctor confirmed she had clear margins and wouldn’t need chemotherapy or radiation therapy. “I was on the road to recovery and I was feeling great,” she says. “The chance of recurrence for me was very slim.” Missy called her doctor, who thought the shortness of breath could be a […]
*This blog was written by Kristina B. and published by Shannon W. Research shows there are many risk factors for breast cancer. These risk factors can be related to biology, lifestyle, genetics and more. While being born female and getting older both increase your risk for breast cancer, other factors may reduce your risk. Adding […]
Breakthroughs in breast cancer don’t always mean the development of new drugs – they’re also made by optimizing currently available treatments. Researchers are re-examining some breast cancer treatments through dose optimization. Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) has been the status quo in breast cancer treatment. Clinical trials determine the MTD by finding the highest drug or treatment amount (dose) with acceptable or tolerable side effects for participants. However, some individuals receiving treatments at MTD still experience significant […]
Susan G. Komen-led research was spotlighted at the 2025 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) held this week. This is the world’s largest breast cancer conference, and Komen was honored to contribute to the discussion by presenting pivotal work aimed at addressing needs within the breast cancer community. ASSESS: A Personalized Early Breast Cancer Treatment […]
Susan G. Komen® recently honored five exceptional individuals for their pivotal roles in advancing breast cancer research, treatment and advocacy. The Brinker Awards, Rising Star Researcher Award and the Research Advocacy Champion Award are some of Komen’s highest distinctions, celebrating trailblazers who are driving lifesaving progress and elevating patient care. Established in 1992, Susan G. […]
The vision of Susan G. Komen is to achieve a world without breast cancer, but with a rising incidence, someone around the world is diagnosed every 14 seconds. Breast cancer is rapidly becoming a global health crisis. Today, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. About 2.3 million new cases and more […]
Around 40% of breast cancers, especially those that are hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and HER2-negative (HER2-), begin with a change or mutation in the PIK3CA gene. This mutation happens only in cancer cells and not in healthy cells. Like a switch stuck in the “on” position, a PIK3CA mutation signals cancer cells to keep growing, even […]
