New Investment in Breast Cancer Research

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation announces 34 new research projects

HAMILTON, ON, Aug. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) is building on its commitment to fund high quality research across the breast cancer continuum, by investing $8.4 million in projects across Ontario, including grants to both Dr. Ali Ashkar and Dr. Jessica Cockburn at McMaster University in Hamilton.

As the largest funder of breast cancer research in Canada, CBCF funds research that is changing the landscape of what is known about how to prevent, detect, diagnose and treat breast cancer. The Foundation also funds a wide range of training fellowships that advance knowledge and talent at Canada's top research institutes and hospitals.

"Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in Canadian women over the age of 20, and with one in nine women diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, we know there is still much more we can do to prevent and treat breast cancer," said Sandra Palmaro, CEO, CBCF-Ontario.

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation funds innovative research that aims to reduce the incidence of breast cancer, lower mortality rates and support women and their families who experience breast cancer.

Dr. Ashkar's work intends to take advantage of a woman's own defences against breast cancer by focusing on a particular part of the immune system - natural killer cells. These cells, which we are all born with, can distinguish between normal cells and those - such as breast cancer cells - that do not belong. Unfortunately, cancer cells are known to suppress the local immune system, including natural killer cells, in order to survive and grow. To combat this, Dr. Ashkar's team will use a new strategy for creating more of these cells, to see if they can more effectively destroy breast cancer cells. In the future, Dr. Ashkar hopes to be able to offer breast cancer patients a treatment option that has fewer side effects than more traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation and may be more effective for women with drug-resistance.

"With this grant we want to empower a patient's innate defense to fight cancer," said Dr. Ashkar, CBCF-funded researcher and Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre.  "We know that breast cancer patients do have natural killer cells, but there isn't enough and they aren't strong enough. Natural killer cell therapy would be a new way to effectively treat or prevent metastases of the breast cancer."

In another lab at McMaster University, Dr. Cockburn is developing a gene-based test that will assess whether a woman with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer is likely to respond well to therapy - meaning her cancer has little chance of returning in the future. Using this information, she will then identify and test several genes that could potentially be used to treat women for whom therapy - like tamoxifen - is not likely to work. This research could have a significant impact on women with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer - providing information about how well a treatment will work, as well as identifying new treatment options.

"Ideally we hope to develop a test that will allow us to personalize medicine and change treatment regimes so at the end of the day women have better outcomes," Dr. Cockburn, CBCF-funded fellow. "We want to be able to look at a breast cancer patient as an individual and personalize the treatment to fit her needs."

Breast cancer mortality rates have decreased by 42 percent since the peak in 1986 in large part due to research advancements which have improved earlier detection, diagnosis and treatment. Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation supports and advocates for the breast cancer community through health education programs and public policy focusing on risk reduction and early detection.

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure will take place on Sunday, October 6 in nearly 70 communities across Canada. It's the largest single-day, community-driven fundraising event in support of breast cancer research, education and awareness.

"CIBC Run for the Cure is one of our signature fundraising events and people are welcomed to take part by running, walking, volunteering or donating," said Stephanie Rapko, a local volunteer Run director.

Visit runforthecure.org for more information on how to participate, donate or volunteer.

Click here to review a complete list of CBCF's newest grantees.

Click here to find out how to get involved with the CIBC Run for the Cure.

Click here for important updates to CBCF-Ontario Region's Funding Programs for Fall 2013.

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is the leading community-driven organization in Canada dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. Our investments in innovative and relevant research and education have led to progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Since 1986, we have been at the forefront of a nationwide movement supporting and advocating for the breast cancer community. Join us at www.cbcf.org.

SOURCE: Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CBCF-ONTARIO REGION OR TO SET UP AN INTERVIEW:

Megan Primeau
Communications Manager
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region
416-815-1313 ext. 208
647-405-2830
[email protected]