Research & Impact
Research & Impact
BCRF Research
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF), founded by the late Evelyn H. Lauder, is The Estée Lauder Companies’ leading partner in The Breast Cancer Campaign (The Campaign) and is dedicated to advancing the world’s most promising research to eradicate breast cancer. Donate now.
How Donations Support BCRF
- $25Funds 1/2 Hour of Research
Research in Action
Funds raised by The Campaign have supported research grants in the following areas:
IMPROVING TREATMENT
- Developing novel combination approaches for treatment of aggressive breast cancers
- Developing new strategies to improve response to immunotherapies
- Identifying biomarkers and targeted therapies to personalize cancer treatments to each individual patient
ADDRESSING DISPARITIES
- Improving access to quality care by identifying barriers to timely treatment for under represented groups and other vulnerable populations
- Developing ways to prepare Black breast cancer patients to engage with their providers to discuss participation in clinical trials
- Analyzing how different clinical and genetic features affect breast cancer recurrence and survival across different racial groups
- Advancing the understanding of breast cancer disparities to improve the delivery of care in Rwanda
- Building infrastructure to conduct clinical trials to improve breast cancer treatment in West Africa
METASTATIC BREAST CANCER
- Identifying strategies to improve treatments for patients with metastatic breast cancer
- Developing and using blood- and tissue-based biomarkers to identify breast cancers with a high risk of recurrence
- Seeking approaches to prevent resistance to targeted therapies in advanced breast cancer
TUMOR BIOLOGY
- Studying tumor processes to identify genes and pathways as potential targets in rare or aggressive breast cancers
- Studying the interaction between tumor cells and non-tumor cells in the microenvironment to identify novel strategies for prevention or treatment
LIFESTYLE AND PREVENTION
- Improving ways to assess risk in young girls with a family history of breast cancer
- Designing personalized weight loss intervention to reduce the risk of breast cancer and breast cancer recurrence
- Studying the impact of lifestyle during puberty on the future risk of breast cancer
SURVIVORSHIP/QUALITY OF LIFE
- Advancing the understanding of the long-term effects of breast cancer diagnosis and therapy to find ways to improve the quality of life for patients living with breast cancer
- Developing tools to improve communication between doctors and patients regarding genetic testing
- Understanding the impact of stress associated with receiving a breast cancer diagnosis on patient outcomes and quality of life
Global Impact
Through The Campaign, ELC supports 60+ organizations around the world that facilitate real change aligned with the diverse needs of local communities. These include:
Brazil
Through a partnership with America Amigas, ELC Brazil provides medical equipment and trainings on breast cancer diagnosis to health care professionals and supports the offering of mammography and ultrasound exams to those with limited access to care.
China
In China, ELC supports the China Women’s Development Foundation — providing financial support to 200+ women in need during breast cancer treatment, as well as offering free breast health counseling sessions at hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu during October.
Colombia
In partnership with the Colombian League Against Cancer, ELC Colombia provides mammograms to women and supports breast health education for young women in rural areas.
France
ELC France helps advance life-saving scientific research and supports educational initiatives on breast cancer awareness and early detection through Ruban Rose, a non-profit organization co-founded by the company.
Greece
In Greece, ELC funds mammograms for women with limited access to medical services across the country, including on remote islands, through the Hellenic Anticancer Society’s Pink Mobile Mammogram Unit.
Italy
Through the AIRC Foundation for Cancer Research (AIRC), ELC Italy raises funds to support multiple three-year fellowships, for a new generation of breast cancer researchers.
Japan
In Japan, ELC helped fund the POSITIVE Study through the Japan Breast Cancer Research Group (JBCRG). This 5-year research project evaluated the safety and efficacy of treatment disruption for women with breast cancer who wish to become pregnant. Findings were presented in December 2022 at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
Korea
ELC Korea maintains its long-standing partnership with the Korean Cancer Society (KCS), supporting initiatives surrounding public education, breast cancer awareness, and medical services for patients with limited access to care.
Mexico
In Mexico, ELC helps women in need who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as their families, by providing funding for housing and mental health resources in historically marginalized communities through Cruz Rosa Mexicana.
Middle East
In the Middle East, ELC continues to support the Al Jalila Foundation, in partnership with Brest Friends, helping raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer, furthering patient support with medical treatment, and funding local breast cancer research.
Singapore
In Singapore, ELC raises funds that helped create and now maintain the Positive Image Room, a specialized area in Singapore’s first Breast Cancer Center where patients can access resources while undergoing treatment.
South Africa
In partnership with the Faraja Cancer Support Trust, ELC South Africa funds mammograms for local women with limited access to care and supports the acquisition of new equipment for the organization.
U.K. and Ireland
ELC in the U.K. and Ireland, continues to support London’s first-ever specialized breast cancer support center, Future Dreams House, which offers free, personalized services, to address the emotional and physical side -effects of treatment. The region remains focused on the relationship between intersectionality and disparities in breast cancer care, as well as providing accessible education on early detection.
2023-2024 BCRF Researchers
The Estée Lauder Companies’, Breast Cancer Campaign is proud to support the following 2023-2024 Breast Cancer Research Foundation® Investigators in their efforts to prevent and cure breast cancer.
Fabrice André, MD, PhD
Professor of Medical Oncology,
Institut Gustave Roussy
Villejuif, France
Area of Focus:
Metastasis
Improving Treatment
Fabrice André, MD, PhD
Professor of Medical Oncology,
Institut Gustave Roussy
Villejuif, France
Area of Focus:
Metastasis
Improving Treatment
Currently, the standard of care for patients with hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer is endocrine therapy. Unfortunately, 20 percent of patients develop an early resistance to therapy as their disease evolves. Recently, studies have shown that cancer cells release circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) into the blood. Further, if ctDNA levels do not decrease after a few weeks of therapy, patient outcomes are poor, and resistance is likely to occur. FABRICE ANDRÉ, MD, PhD is conducting SAFIR03, a multi-year clinical trial that will leverage these findings and assess ctDNA levels during endocrine therapy. He hopes that these studies will improve survival of patients with metastatic breast cancer by supporting a paradigm shift from endocrine therapy as the first treatment in all patients.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Companies’ Brands Awards in Memory of Evelyn H. Lauder
Samuel Aparicio, BM, BCh, PhD, FRCPath FRSC
Professor
Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, Canada
Area of Focus:
Improving Treatment
Samuel Aparicio, BM, BCh, PhD, FRCPath FRSC
Professor
Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, Canada
Area of Focus:
Improving Treatment
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is not one disease, but a group of diseases that we are only beginning to understand. Research by SAMUEL APARICIO, BM, BCh, PhD, FRCPath FRSC showed distinct patterns in the structure of chromosomes in many TNBCs. In the coming year, his team will build on these discoveries and examine how patterns change with different treatments. Further studies are planned to improve our understanding of how the genomic patterns of an individual’s TNBC are associated with their response to standard of care agents and emerging therapeutics—this will enable improved therapeutic decision-making for patients with TNBC who have fewer treatment options.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Companies’ North American Research & Development and Supply Chain Award
Jill Bargonetti, PhD
Chair, Molecular, Cellular and Development PhD Program
Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College
Graduate Center, City University of New York Graduate Center
New York, NY
Area of Focus:
Improving Treatment
Tumor Biology
Metastasis
Jill Bargonetti, PhD
Chair, Molecular, Cellular and Development PhD Program
Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College
Graduate Center, City University of New York Graduate Center
New York, NY
Area of Focus:
Improving Treatment
Tumor Biology
Metastasis
As chair, JILL BARGONETTI, PhD leads a PhD program, providing guidance for the next generation of researchers. Her laboratory team explores three of the most critical drivers of breast cancer, mtp53, MDMX and MDM2 with a focus on their role in triple negative disease. Specifically, Dr. Bargonetti’s lab is uncovering novel ways to exploit the mtp53-MDMX-MDM2 axis and target the breast cancers that use it—thus providing druggable targets in a breast cancer subtype with limited therapeutic options.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Companies’ Brands Awards in Memory of Evelyn H. Lauder
Laura Biganzoli, MD
Director of the Breast Center
Hospital Prato
Prato, Italy
Area of Focus:
Tumor Biology
Improving Treatment
Laura Biganzoli, MD
Director of the Breast Center
Hospital Prato
Prato, Italy
Area of Focus:
Tumor Biology
Improving Treatment
Researchers are focused on the development of accurate biomarkers that have the potential to define not only a patient’s tolerance but also benefit from therapy. For older patients this is particularly important because the age-accelerating effects of treatment may lead to premature health decline and frailty. LAURA BIGANZOLI, MD, has a long-standing interest in improving the clinical management of older breast cancer patients. Her team is investigating the utility of a gene signature (RBsig) in predicting sensitivity to estrogen therapy plus chemotherapy or CDK4/6 inhibitors in estrogen receptor-positive/HER2-positive breast cancer patients. The TOUCH study - conducted in 45 centers in Europe - is being expanded to include postmenopausal women as well as those over 65 since decreasing the use of chemotherapy would be beneficial to all. Dr. Biganzoli and her team hopes to determine its utility in clinical decision-making (particularly regarding decreasing chemotherapy) as well as refining and personalizing treatment for postmenopausal breast cancer patients.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Companies’ Employee Fundraising Awards
Julienne E. Bower, PhD
Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry/Biobehavioral Sciences
David Geffen School of Medicine University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Area of Focus:
Survivorship
Julienne E. Bower, PhD
Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry/Biobehavioral Sciences
David Geffen School of Medicine University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Area of Focus:
Survivorship
In a unique collaboration at UCLA, Professors JULIENNE E. BOWER, PhD and STEVEN W. COLE, PhD, are studying the role that stress and the immune system play in cancer. They have shown that stress-induced changes in tumor biology can be blocked by stimulating the brain's reward system. In addition, they have developed and optimized an online version of their mindfulness-based intervention for breast cancer survivors. The team has demonstrated that this intervention is effective in reducing depression, enhancing well- being, and improving tumor-relevant immune processes in younger breast cancer survivors. Drs. Bower and Cole plan to expand this novel intervention to reach larger and more diverse groups of women. Overall, their results will advance new digital health interventions in breast cancer as well as define new “positive neurobiology” pathways that might be tapped as future clinical tools.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Play for P.I.N.K. Award/The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign Award
Steven W. Cole, PhD
Professor, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Psychiatry/Biobehavioral Sciences
David Geffen School of Medicine University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Area of Focus:
Survivorship
Steven W. Cole, PhD
Professor, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Psychiatry/Biobehavioral Sciences
David Geffen School of Medicine University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Area of Focus:
Survivorship
In a unique collaboration at UCLA, Professors JULIENNE E. BOWER, PhD and STEVEN W. COLE, PhD, are studying the role that stress and the immune system play in cancer. They have shown that stress-induced changes in tumor biology can be blocked by stimulating the brain's reward system. In addition, they have developed and optimized an online version of their mindfulness-based intervention for breast cancer survivors. The team has demonstrated that this intervention is effective in reducing depression, enhancing well- being, and improving tumor-relevant immune processes in younger breast cancer survivors. Drs. Bower and Cole plan to expand this novel intervention to reach larger and more diverse groups of women. Overall, their results will advance new digital health interventions in breast cancer as well as define new “positive neurobiology” pathways that might be tapped as future clinical tools.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Play for P.I.N.K. Award/The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign Award
Jenny C. Chang, MD
Professor of Medicine, Weill Cornell
Medical College and Director, Cancer Center
Houston Methodist Research Institute
Houston, TX
Area of Focus:
Tumor Biology
Jenny C. Chang, MD
Professor of Medicine, Weill Cornell
Medical College and Director, Cancer Center
Houston Methodist Research Institute
Houston, TX
Area of Focus:
Tumor Biology
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of the disease with limited treatment options. Since most TNBC tumors are unresponsive to current therapies, JENNY C. CHANG, MD and her colleagues are exploring new treatment options for these patients. Her team discovered that the drug L-NMMA targets a molecule known to promote tumor growth and metastasis. Based on laboratory studies that revealed this drug plus chemotherapy was better at reducing tumor growth and lung metastasis than chemotherapy alone, Dr. Chang moved L-NMMA into a successful phase 1/2 clinical trial. Her team hopes to test this combination in a phase 3 clinical trial - if successful, this will move this novel strategy closer to FDA approval and give hope to patients with TNBC.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Awards
Marjory Charlot, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Medicine
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC
Area of Focus:
Addressing Disparities
Marjory Charlot, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Medicine
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC
Area of Focus:
Addressing Disparities
Black women in the United States are much more likely to die from their breast cancer when compared to all other racial and ethnic groups. There are many factors influencing this disparity, including a lack of representation in clinical trials. For her Conquer Cancer Advanced Clinical Research Award, supported by BCRF, MARJORY CHARLOT, MD and her team are developing ways to prepare Black breast cancer patients to engage with their providers regarding participation in clinical trials. Her team has established two advisory councils: Sisters CREATE (Cancer Research Equity & Advocacy Through Engagement) and LEGACY Partners (Lived Experiences Guiding research advocacy). Together with these advocacy partners, Dr. Charlot has developed an interview guide and conducted 20 interviews. Analysis of these interviews enabled the development of a mobile health app which is being tested in a pilot study.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Companies’ Beauty Perks North America Online Award
Marianna Chavez MacGregor, MD, MSC
Associate Professor
Department of Breast Medical Oncology and Department of Health Services Research
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX
Area of Focus:
Addressing Disparities
Marianna Chavez MacGregor, MD, MSC
Associate Professor
Department of Breast Medical Oncology and Department of Health Services Research
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX
Area of Focus:
Addressing Disparities
There are several factors that influence whether a breast cancer patient completes every step in their treatment plan. In order to enhance the quality of cancer care, identify areas of greater need, and ultimately improve outcomes and reduce disparities, a better understanding of the patterns of treatment completion is fundamental. MARIANNA CHAVEZ MacGREGOR, MD, MSC, and her team are evaluating the rates of treatment completion in underrepresented or understudied populations, including racial/ethnic minorities and older patients, and how treatment-related toxicities and access to care impact them. Her work aims to increase understanding of how these factors affect care and potentially lead to tailored strategies that result in better outcomes, reduced disparities, and an improved quality of life for patients.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Companies' Employee Fundraising Awards
Alan D’Andrea, MD
Professor of Radiation Oncology
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, MA
Area of Focus:
Improving Treatment
Alan D’Andrea, MD
Professor of Radiation Oncology
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, MA
Area of Focus:
Improving Treatment
DNA repair-deficient cancers, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), are associated with alterations in BRCA1/2 and other repair-related genes. Treatment for TNBCs has been revolutionized by the development of PARP inhibitors (PARPi). However, these agents are not curative and TNBCs develop resistance which has emerged as an urgent clinical challenge. ALAN D’ANDREA MD and his team have successfully demonstrated that the naturally occurring antibiotic, novobiocin (NVB), effectively kills TNBC tumor cells in lab models. In combination with PARP inhibitors, it works effectively and can overcome PARP inhibitor resistance. He and his team have also identified several biomarkers that predict sensitivity to NVB. His team received FDA approval for a clinical trial to test this combination therapy and determine if the identified biomarkers have clinical utility for determining which patients with TNBC will most likely benefit from it.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Clinique Awards
H. Shelton Earp, MD
Director, Cancer Care at the Lineberger
Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
Area of Focus:
Tumor Biology
H. Shelton Earp, MD
Director, Cancer Care at the Lineberger
Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
Area of Focus:
Tumor Biology
Tumor cells likely reprogram normal cellular processes to support their abnormal growth and evade detection by the body’s immune system, the first line of defense against cancer cells. They do this by changing the activity of genes that regulate growth processes. H. SHELTON EARP, MD has identified the MerTK gene that, in normal cells, signals immune cells to turn off, preventing chronic inflammation or autoimmune diseases. Dr. Earp and his colleagues are conducting studies to build on these discoveries and determine how the factors work to allow immune cells to effectively target tumor cells. Their studies will potentially provide novel strategies to improve response to immunotherapies in advanced breast cancers.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Awards
Dame Lesley Fallowfield, DBE, BSc, DPhil, FMedSci
Professor, Psycho-oncology at Brighton & Sussex Medical School
University of Sussex
Brighton, U.K.
Area of Focus:
Survivorship
Dame Lesley Fallowfield, DBE, BSc, DPhil, FMedSci
Professor, Psycho-oncology at Brighton & Sussex Medical School
University of Sussex
Brighton, U.K.
Area of Focus:
Survivorship
In cases of an unusual breast cancer diagnosis, such as diagnosis at a young age, genetic testing for inherited mutations in breast cancer risk genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, is commonly prescribed. Many oncologists lack the necessary training for the difficult patient conversations following genetic testing. DAME LESLEY FALLOWFIELD, DBE, BSc, DPhil, FMedSci leads a multi-disciplinary effort to create a training program for oncologists and genetic counselors to improve their communication skills. Her team designed short information films about genetic expression profiling (GEP) testing and demonstrated that they are more effective than leaflets in conveying the information to patients. Through a global workshop and an on-line survey, she found many areas of concern that she will investigate and hopes to provide health care teams with strategies to communicate more meaningfully with these patients. Her studies will help ease the anxiety experienced by women with high-risk genetic susceptibility to breast cancer or metastatic breast cancer and empower them to make informed decisions about their treatment options.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Companies’ Brands Awards in Memory of Evelyn H. Lauder
Patricia A. Ganz, MD
Director, Cancer & Control Research, UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
Los Angeles, CA
BCRF Scientific Advisor
Area of Focus:
Survivorship
Patricia A. Ganz, MD
Director, Cancer & Control Research, UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
Los Angeles, CA
BCRF Scientific Advisor
Area of Focus:
Survivorship
Patients are living longer after breast cancer, because of more effective therapies. These lifesaving therapies, however, can have long-term side effects that diminish quality of life after therapy ends. PATRICIA A. GANZ, MD, a BCRF Scientific Advisor, is conducting a series of studies aimed at understanding how cancer therapies affect cognitive function and other factors related to quality of life. In the last year, her team completed a study that tested two interventions (survivor education and mindfulness meditation) for younger patients with breast cancer who had elevated symptoms of depression. Both interventions reduced depressive symptoms and demonstrated additional benefits with mindfulness meditation having a greater impact. Dr. Ganz hopes to move these findings forward in a larger clinical trial that tests the digital delivery of the intervention. Dr. Ganz and her team also initiated a clinical trial to evaluate the role of inflammation in cognitive changes after endocrine therapy by testing an anti-inflammatory agent for its potential benefit in helping breast cancer patients with severe cognitive complaints. Dr. Ganz’s research addresses persistent post-treatment symptoms that are important to understand so that the length and quality of life for breast cancer survivors can be maximized.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Awards
Scarlett Gomez, PhD MPH
Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Area of Focus:
Addressing Disparities
Scarlett Gomez, PhD MPH
Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Area of Focus:
Addressing Disparities
In the San Francisco Bay Area, SCARLETT GOMEZ, PhD, MPH and her team have shown that breast cancer risk in Asian Americans is rapidly increasing, signaling a shift in breast cancer risk in this population. To address this emerging disparity, Dr. Gomez and her team are determining the factors that contribute to increasing rates of breast cancer in Asian American women and assess multiple factors specifically associated with overall and early-onset breast cancer risk in this group. In the last year, Dr. Gomez has established the infrastructure needed to achieve the goal of developing a population-based data resource - this includes preparing appropriate survey materials for potential participants and developing a series of infographics to be used for promoting awareness of the rising breast cancer incidence in Asian American women and for recruitment. These studies will help identify risk factors contributing to this concerning trend in Asian Americans, inform prevention strategies, and potentially provide opportunities to discover novel risk factors for breast cancer.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Companies' Travel Retail Awards
Carmen E. Guerra, MD
Professor of Medicine
Perelman School of Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Area of Focus:
Heredity & Ethnicity
Disparities
Carmen E. Guerra, MD
Professor of Medicine
Perelman School of Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Area of Focus:
Heredity & Ethnicity
Disparities
Low participation in clinical trials limits our progress against breast cancer. One of the important and less studied barriers to participation in trials is that patients are not offered an opportunity to participate in clinical trials. Over half the patients that are offered clinical trials agree to participate, and this does not statistically differ among racial and ethnic groups. However, negative perceptions and attitudes, assumptions, stereotypes, and bias by cancer research team members leads to withholding clinical trials from Black patients. CARMEN E, GUERRA, MD is testing an intervention for unconscious bias training to determine if it helps doctors offer cancer treatment trials to more women with breast cancer.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Companies’ Brands Awards in Memory of Evelyn H. Lauder
Elizabeth Jaffee, MD
Professor of Oncology
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Area of Focus:
Improving Treatment
Elizabeth Jaffee, MD
Professor of Oncology
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Area of Focus:
Improving Treatment
Patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are faced with an aggressive disease with the current standard of care involving six-months of treatment before surgery (usually with four chemotherapy agents in combination with immunotherapy) followed by six more months of immunotherapy given after surgery. Based on their response, additional chemotherapy may be recommended. ELIZABETH JAFFEE, MD is conducting a clinical trial to evaluate ways to optimize therapy for patients with early-stage TNBC. Dr. Jaffee hopes to identify biomarkers that differ in responders and non-responders. This data will help predict which patients can avoid additional chemotherapy and the resulting toxicity - this will significantly impact and improve patient outcomes, reduce toxicity, and reduce costs for patients with this aggressive breast cancer.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Clinique Award
Maria Jasin, PhD
Professor, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences,
Cornell University
Full Member, Developmental Biology Program
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, NY
Area of Focus:
Heredity & Ethnicity
Lifestyle & Prevention
Tumor Biology
Maria Jasin, PhD
Professor, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences,
Cornell University
Full Member, Developmental Biology Program
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, NY
Area of Focus:
Heredity & Ethnicity
Lifestyle & Prevention
Tumor Biology
Mutations in genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2 that are involved in the cellular response to DNA damage and repair, are associated with breast cancer susceptibility. The mammary gland is highly influenced by its hormonal environment and undergoes significant changes during puberty and pregnancy; however, many questions remain about how this impacts DNA repair and breast cancer susceptibility. MARIA JASIN, PhD s examining the effects of estrogen on DNA repair in breast cells and showed that estrogen can impair DNA repair in BRCA2-deficient cells. Her team has developed 3D models to understand the intricacies of cells’ response to DNA damage and are utilizing them to examine replication events in breast tissues during pregnancy, one of the stages of breast development when the level of estrogen is high. She hopes to uncover BRCA2 functional requirements under different stress conditions and to use this information to develop novel therapeutic strategies.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Companies’ North American Research & Development and Manufacturing Award
Funmi F. Olopade, MB, BS, FACP
Professor of Medicine and Human Genetics
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Area of Focus:
Addressing Disparities
Improving Treatment
Tumor Biology
Funmi F. Olopade, MB, BS, FACP
Professor of Medicine and Human Genetics
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Area of Focus:
Addressing Disparities
Improving Treatment
Tumor Biology
The increasing mortality gap within countries and across countries even those within the same region is striking. While novel targeted treatments are tailored and increasingly more expensive, a majority of women in low-resource settings, including those in rural America, have poor access to quality diagnostic tools and optimal cancer care. FUNMI F. OLOPADE, MB, BS, FACP is addressing this unmet need by building on her robust multidisciplinary collaborations across the African Diaspora and regions of the U.S. Her team has created the clinical infrastructure necessary to provide quality preventive screening and treatment for women at high-risk for breast cancer in four academic institutions in Nigeria. They have successfully launched one biomarker-informed clinical trial through which they expect to gain a better understanding of breast cancer heterogeneity in women of African Ancestry across the Diaspora. Through reverse innovation, women in the U.S. who live in resource poor settings can benefit from lessons learned in this state-of-the-art biomarker driven clinical trial. Ultimately, Dr. Olopade seeks to improve the quality of care for ALL women with breast cancer and promote equity in global breast cancer research.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Companies’ Brands Awards in Memory of Evelyn H. Lauder
Meredith Regan, ScD
Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Biostatistics
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA
International Breast Cancer Study Group
Bern, Switzerland
Area of Focus:
Improving Treatment
Meredith Regan, ScD
Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Biostatistics
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA
International Breast Cancer Study Group
Bern, Switzerland
Area of Focus:
Improving Treatment
Results from two international clinical trials—the Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial (SOFT) and the Tamoxifen and Exemestane Trial (TEXT)—led to new clinical guidelines for the treatment of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer in premenopausal women. The initial results from the trials supported the use of ovarian suppression drugs in addition to anti-estrogen therapy to preserve fertility in women who intended to have children after treatment. However, further follow-up is needed to fully understand the implications of treatment decisions on overall survival and late side effects of therapy. MEREDITH REGAN, ScD, and her team found that after follow-up (8.5 and 12.5 years) ovarian suppression showed a persistent survival benefit, particularly for those women who had received chemotherapy because they were at higher risk of recurrence. SOFT and TEXT participants will continue to be assessed with the final results reported more than 20 years after enrollment of the first patient. These results will help to determine if treatments are effective for reducing distant recurrence and what associated late toxicities and side effects of anti-estrogen therapies may occur—this will improve overall survival for young women with ER-positive breast cancer.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Companies’ North American Research & Development and Supply Chain Award
Sonya Reid, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, TN
Area of Focus:
Addressing Disparities
Sonya Reid, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, TN
Area of Focus:
Addressing Disparities
Despite a steady improvement in breast cancer survival rates over the past several decades, Black women are still 41 percent more likely to die from breast cancer compared to white women. We do not fully understand how genetics influence racial disparities and the survival of women with breast cancer—this is due, in part, to a significant under-representation of Black women in breast cancer research studies. SONYA REID, MD, MPH is addressing these disparities in her Conquer Cancer study, supported by BCRF. Initial results showed an overrepresentation of BRCA1 mutations in Black women with hereditary breast cancer. The team will collect additional samples and perform a comprehensive genetic analysis on all samples and assess how different clinical and genetic features affect breast cancer recurrence and survival across different racial groups.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Companies’ Brands Awards in Memory of Evelyn H. Lauder
Britta Weigelt, PhD
Director, Director, Gynecology DMT Research Laboratory
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, NY
Area of Focus:
Tumor Biology
Britta Weigelt, PhD
Director, Director, Gynecology DMT Research Laboratory
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, NY
Area of Focus:
Tumor Biology
Metaplastic breast cancers are rare and aggressive forms of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). BRITTA WEIGELT, PhD has shown that they differ from the common types of TNBC in that their cells can differentiate to look like other tissues not normally found in the breast. Also, unlike most TNBCs, metaplastic breast cancers rarely respond to chemotherapy, have a distinct immune microenvironment, and different types of DNA repair defects, despite harboring similar mutations. The team recently showed that these breast cancers may be sensitive to antibody-drug conjugates. They hope to reveal the factors that make metaplastic tumors unique and identify novel strategies to treat these aggressive breast cancers.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Companies’ North America Research & Development and Supply Chain Award
Regina M. Santella, PhD
Professor, Columbia University
Mailman School of Public Health
New York, NY
Area of Focus:
Prevention
Regina M. Santella, PhD
Professor, Columbia University
Mailman School of Public Health
New York, NY
Area of Focus:
Prevention
Breast cancers that occur frequently in families can be due to both genetic and environmental factors. A person’s genetics can affect how their body responds to a range of environmental influences, from diet to common chemicals. REGINA M. SANTELLA, PhD and MARY BETH TERRY, PhD are seeking to understand the impact of environmental exposures in high-risk families to develop better risk prediction models and preventive strategies. Previously, they discovered that breast cancer risk due to environmental pollutants is almost three-fold greater in women whose cells could not repair DNA correctly. Looking beyond these pollutants, the team is examining the impact of other endocrine disrupting chemicals and trace metals found in the blood on breast cancer risk and DNA repair capacity. They are developing assays to determine DNA repair capacity—this will potentially help to identify those with a high breast cancer risk who could be targeted for preventive interventions or enhanced screening. Similar studies are underway in breast cancer patients in Ghana.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Aveda Award
Mary Beth Terry, PhD
Professor, Columbia University
Mailman School of Public Health
New York, NY
Area of Focus:
Prevention
Mary Beth Terry, PhD
Professor, Columbia University
Mailman School of Public Health
New York, NY
Area of Focus:
Prevention
Breast cancers that occur frequently in families can be due to both genetic and environmental factors. A person’s genetics can affect how their body responds to a range of environmental influences, from diet to common chemicals. REGINA M. SANTELLA, PhD and MARY BETH TERRY, PhD are seeking to understand the impact of environmental exposures in high-risk families to develop better risk prediction models and preventive strategies. Previously, they discovered that breast cancer risk due to environmental pollutants is almost three-fold greater in women whose cells could not repair DNA correctly. Looking beyond these pollutants, the team is examining the impact of other endocrine disrupting chemicals and trace metals found in the blood on breast cancer risk and DNA repair capacity. They are developing assays to determine DNA repair capacity—this will potentially help to identify those with a high breast cancer risk who could be targeted for preventive interventions or enhanced screening. Similar studies are underway in breast cancer patients in Ghana.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Aveda Award
Lawrence Shulman, MD
Deputy Director, Clinical Services
Director, Center for Global Cancer Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Area of Focus:
Addressing Disparities
Lawrence Shulman, MD
Deputy Director, Clinical Services
Director, Center for Global Cancer Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Area of Focus:
Addressing Disparities
In low-income and low-resource communities, deaths from breast cancer are more prevalent due to lack of screening and follow-up that increase the chance that a woman will be diagnosed with advanced breast cancer and may not receive quality treatment. LAWRENCE SHULMAN, MD and BCRF co-investigator, CYPRIEN SHYIRAMBERE, MMED are changing this statistic in rural area hospitals in Rwanda. Building on early successes, they developed a clinician training and care delivery model for breast cancer early detection that is feasible and effective at rural health centers and district hospitals in Rwanda. Indeed, Dr. Shulman has leveraged his findings in Rwanda to inform care in low resources settings in the U.S., namely around and in the intercity of Philadelphia. The team will continue to refine this technique, develop a model of patient navigation, and develop, implement, and test novel strategies to train more clinicians in diagnostic breast ultrasound—this will bring this important diagnostic service closer to patients’ homes and facilitate accessible, timely, and high-quality care.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Companies Employee Fundraising Awards
Cyprien Shyirambere, MMeD
Director of Oncology, Partners in Health/Inshuti Mu Buzima
Administrative Director, Oncology Program
Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence
Butaro, Rwanda
Area of Focus:
Addressing Disparities
Cyprien Shyirambere, MMeD
Director of Oncology, Partners in Health/Inshuti Mu Buzima
Administrative Director, Oncology Program
Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence
Butaro, Rwanda
Area of Focus:
Addressing Disparities
In low-income and low-resource communities, deaths from breast cancer are more prevalent due to lack of screening and follow-up that increase the chance that a woman will be diagnosed with advanced breast cancer and may not receive quality treatment. LAWRENCE SHULMAN, MD and BCRF co-investigator, CYPRIEN SHYIRAMBERE, MMED are changing this statistic in rural area hospitals in Rwanda. Building on early successes, they developed a clinician training and care delivery model for breast cancer early detection that is feasible and effective at rural health centers and district hospitals in Rwanda. Indeed, Dr. Shulman has leveraged his findings in Rwanda to inform care in low resources settings in the U.S., namely around and in the intercity of Philadelphia. The team will continue to refine this technique, develop a model of patient navigation, and develop, implement, and test novel strategies to train more clinicians in diagnostic breast ultrasound—this will bring this important diagnostic service closer to patients’ homes and facilitate accessible, timely, and high-quality care.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Companies Employee Fundraising Awards
Vered Stearns, MD
Director for Translational Breast Cancer Research
Hematology and Medical Oncology
Associate Director for Clinical Services
Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center Weill Cornell Medical School
New York, New York Member, BCRF Scientific Advisory Board
Area of Focus:
Lifestyle & Prevention
Survivorship
Vered Stearns, MD
Director for Translational Breast Cancer Research
Hematology and Medical Oncology
Associate Director for Clinical Services
Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center Weill Cornell Medical School
New York, New York Member, BCRF Scientific Advisory Board
Area of Focus:
Lifestyle & Prevention
Survivorship
Lifestyle factors can affect breast cancer risk. Women with breast cancer who are overweight or obese experience worse outcomes compared to those with normal weight despite optimal therapy. In addition, being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer after menopause. VERED STEARNS, MD developed a series of studies designed to both study weight loss approaches and to determine how biomarkers are modulated with optimal weight loss. Results of these studies will be used to develop and implement successful interventions in the clinic. Further, they will facilitate the design of novel studies to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence and death and potentially prevent new breast cancer.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Awards
Andrew Tutt, MB, ChB, PhD
Head of Division of Breast Cancer Research
Institute of Cancer Research
London, United Kingdom
Area of Focus:
Improving Treatment
Andrew Tutt, MB, ChB, PhD
Head of Division of Breast Cancer Research
Institute of Cancer Research
London, United Kingdom
Area of Focus:
Improving Treatment
DNA damage is usually recognized and repaired so that cells can continue to grow normally. However, in breast cancer cells with inherited mutations in genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, the ability to repair damaged DNA is impaired. This vulnerability in cancer cells has been exploited to develop treatments, such as PARP inhibitors which prevent DNA repair. Although these drugs work in patients with gene mutations, in many patients the treatment stops working. ANDREW TUTT, MB, ChB, PhD and his team are focused on understanding drug resistance to prevent it or design new ways to target it particularly those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. This research will help us to understand resistance and inform novel strategies to target or prevent it through stimulating the immune system.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Estée Lauder Companies' UK & Ireland Award in honor of Elizabeth Hurley
Naoto Ueno, MD, PhD
Professor and Director
University of Hawaii Cancer Center
University of Hawaii
Honolulu, HI
Area of Focus:
Improving Treatment
Tumor Biology
Naoto Ueno, MD, PhD
Professor and Director
University of Hawaii Cancer Center
University of Hawaii
Honolulu, HI
Area of Focus:
Improving Treatment
Tumor Biology
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most lethal and aggressive form of breast cancer and has a high rate of metastasis. Although the disease affects only two-four percent of breast cancer patients, it is responsible for about 10 percent of breast cancer deaths in the U.S. NAOTO UENO, MD, PhD is studying ways to improve immunotherapy for this disease with novel combination approaches. One such approach specifically targets factors such as EGR1 that are present in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and mediate the immune response. Dr. Ueno and his team are identifying small molecules that can destroy EGR1 thereby providing a novel anti-tumor drug with improved selectivity and reduced toxicity. He hopes to accelerate the development of novel and effective therapies for IBC including EGR1-targeted therapy and establish the utility of targeting other TME factors to increase the efficacy of immunotherapy for this disease.
Their research is generously made possible by:
The Clinique Awards