About one-third of all breast cancers are classified as HER2-positive because of the high levels of HER2 cell surface protein. HER2-targeting drugs have been successful, but this type of cancer returns to high frequency once treatment is completed. The primary goal of the research project is to identify new biomarkers that distinguish the possibility of recurrence of HER2 + breast cancer. The project is led by Dr. Paola Marignani, Professor at Dalhousie University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He has received postdoctoral fellowships at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, the Ontario Cancer Institute and the Harvard Medical School in the Department of Signal Transfer. More recently, Dr. Marignani completed the Executive Program in Artificial Intelligence in Health Care from MIT. The work of Dr. Marignani will be held for the next three years with the aim of gaining knowledge to develop more expensive and targeted therapies through medical precision that prevent relapse. Precision medicine focuses on matching the most effective drug with the appropriate patient based on the molecular profile of the patient’s cancer, taking into account the heterogeneity of an individual’s cancer. Guided by their vision to end breast cancer, BCSC is committed to funding research projects that will have a direct impact on Canadian patients. In February 2021, the World Health Organization stated that breast cancer was the most common cancer worldwide, with approximately 28,000 Canadians being diagnosed each year. The breast cancer research programs selected for funding will aim to promote screening, screening, precision oncology, and patient-reported outcomes, enhancing care for Canadians with breast cancer. Kimberly Carson, Managing Director of the Canadian Breast Cancer Society, said: “Dr. Marignani research will directly affect the lives of breast cancer patients by developing treatment plans that are tailored to the individual. Patient treatment is no longer the same for everyone. “BCSC-funded research focuses on precision medicine. By making breast cancer treatment highly personalized with better targeted treatment, we can influence change for breast cancer patients.” The Breast Cancer Society of Canada thanks its generous donors for making this funding possible through their contributions. For more information on your call for proposals for breast cancer research grants and funded precision oncology projects, visit bcsc.ca/updates. BREAST CANCER SOCIETY OF CANADA (BCSC) The Breast Cancer Society of Canada (BCSC) is a registered, national, non-profit, charity dedicated to its life-saving cancer research. BCSC raises money to fund patient-centered research into the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of breast cancer. For more information, visit bcsc.ca. CONTACT MEANS: Logan KazimerHarmony Marketing [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
