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Komen-Funded Researchers Are Pioneering Lifesaving Advancements in Early and Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer 

Research

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 […]

Komen Has Helped Pave the Way for 31 FDA-Approved Breast Cancer Drugs Over the Past 30 Years

Research

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.

Breast Cancer Breakthroughs Episode 21: Real World Impact of Oral SERDs 

Research

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 […]

Breast Cancer Breakthroughs Episode 20: What’s New for Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)?

Research

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 […]

When Recurrence Becomes Metastatic Breast Cancer: Missy’s Story 

Personal Stories

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 […]

Breast Cancer Breakthroughs Episode 18: Right-Sizing Breast Cancer Treatment Through Dose Optimization 

Research

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 Spotlighted at SABCS 2025 

Research

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 […]

Honoring Excellence in Breast Cancer Research, Treatment and Advocacy: Meet the 2025 Susan G. Komen Award Recipients 

Research

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. […]

Improving Global Outcomes with the Breast Cancer Care Quality Index (BCCQI) 

Research

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 […]

Breast Cancer Breakthroughs Episode 16: On the Horizon of PI3K Pathway Inhibition

Research

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 […]

Breast Cancer Breakthroughs Episode 15: A Window into Breast Cancer Through a Blood Test 

Research

A liquid biopsy is an innovative tool that provides insight into breast cancer without the need for surgery or traditional needle biopsies. As cancer cells die, they release tiny fragments of their DNA into the bloodstream, known as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). In many ways, ctDNA acts like a window into breast cancer, helping guide […]

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