The Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center has shared with us the amazing research it has been able to accomplish, and the additional grants they have been able to benefit from with the help of the funds generated by The Race.  This research has uncovered a wealth of new information, and has led to revolutionary advances in the understanding of breast cancer.  Many of the discoveries that have been made in the last 12 months are being used to improve breast cancer treatment today!  

 

Personalized Medicine: The Future of Breast Cancer Treatment

Molecular and Genetic Markers in Breast Cancer (MGMBC) Program

 

 

 

Principal Investigator: Joseph P. Crowe, M.D., Director, Cleveland Clinic Breast Center

 

Members

Integrated team of Cleveland Clinic physicians and researchers including Breast Center, Division of Pathology, Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute and Taussig Cancer Center

 

Mission

To translate novel discoveries in molecular and genetic markers for breast cancer for improved breast cancer management and treatment

 

Goals

1.      Understand why some patients respond to certain treatments while others do not.

2.      Increase treatment success rates for breast cancer patients by enabling physicians to precisely tailor treatment for each individual cancer patient.

 

Overview

Over the last decade, the mapping of the human genome, along with equally revolutionary advances in molecular biology have made it possible to begin studying the specific molecular and genetic differences in breast cancer patients. The MGMBC study team analyzes the genetic and molecular profiles of breast cancer patients and their tumors and then compares this data to the patients’ treatments and outcomes. In time, this research will usher in an era of personalized medicine. By investigating molecular and predictive markers for breast cancer and applying clinical data, we will be able to tailor breast care for each individual patient.

 

Results to Date

Through the use of the new equipment and technology, we have greatly expanded our genetic analysis capability. Recently acquired Illumina equipment has helped us accurately identify certain genetic markers present in cancer tissue. Identification of these markers is important for two reasons. First, cancer patients who have the markers may have a worse prognosis than those who do not have them. Second, identification of genetic markers helps us predict factors such as:

 

The identification of the genetic markers set a foundation for answering the aforementioned questions. While we have achieved great success to date, extensive analysis remains to reach our long-term goal of permanent remission for every breast cancer patient.