The Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC), a prominent cancer research consortium in Boston, has been awarded a $12 million grant from the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This funding will support the continuation of the Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in Breast Cancer over the next five years. The renewal of this grant, initially awarded in 2020, highlights the center’s leadership and innovative strides in the field of breast cancer research.
“This renewal represents an extraordinary vote of confidence from the NIH in the talent and vision of our breast cancer research community,” said Dr. Kornelia Polyak, Professor of Medicine at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and a co-Principal Investigator of the SPORE program. She emphasized the importance of collaboration among researchers and patients to achieve meaningful advancements.
Driving Innovation in Breast Cancer Research
The NIH SPORE grants are designed to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical applications. With over 20 such programs across the United States, they focus on collaborative, multidisciplinary research targeting specific cancer types or themes. The DF/HCC SPORE in Breast Cancer, led by Dr. Polyak along with Dr. Leif Ellisen, Dr. Nancy Lin, and Dr. Geoffrey Shapiro, aims to rapidly translate research findings into improved patient care.
“The SPORE mechanism is designed to move scientific discovery from bench to bedside as quickly as possible,” stated Dr. Ellisen, highlighting the program’s potential to enhance patient outcomes and develop new treatments.
Research Projects and Collaborative Efforts
The renewed grant will fund four integrated research projects:
- Project 1: Focuses on overcoming resistance mechanisms to antibody-drug conjugates, led by Dr. Leif Ellisen and Dr. Steven Isakoff.
- Project 2: Investigates treatment and prevention of breast cancer brain metastases, led by Dr. Nancy Lin and Dr. Jean Zhao.
- Project 3: Explores the synergy of BET bromodomain inhibition with chemo-immunotherapy in triple negative breast cancer, led by Dr. Kornelia Polyak and colleagues.
- Project 4: Examines the combined targeting of DNA repair and macrophage-mediated immunosuppression in BRCA-associated breast cancer, led by Dr. Geoffrey Shapiro and team.
Additionally, the grant will support the Developmental Research Program, which provides seed funding for innovative pilot experiments, and the Career Enhancement Program, offering mentorship and funding to early-career investigators.
Patient-Centric Approach and Future Impact
A unique feature of the DF/HCC SPORE is its Patient Advocate Panel, a group of breast cancer advocates who contribute vital perspectives to the research agenda. Dr. Nancy Lin emphasized the significance of this panel, stating, “Our Patient Advocate Panel is an essential voice at every stage of the process, helping ensure that our work addresses the most pressing challenges facing those living with breast cancer.”
Since its inception in 2020, the DF/HCC SPORE in Breast Cancer has established itself as a leader in the field. The program has pioneered new therapeutic strategies, addressed drug resistance, and advanced immunotherapy and precision medicine approaches. These efforts have not only shaped national clinical practices but also laid the groundwork for future breakthroughs.
“The SPORE grant renewal will catalyze innovation and collaboration across DF/HCC and beyond,” said Dr. Geoffrey Shapiro. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to advance discoveries that will directly benefit patients.
As the DF/HCC continues to push the boundaries of breast cancer research, the renewed NIH grant will play a crucial role in driving forward the next generation of scientific breakthroughs and therapeutic advancements.
