UNC Lineberger’s Center for Triple Negative Breast Cancer recently held its second annual scientific retreat, bringing together faculty, staff, trainees, patient advocates and cancer center leaders for an afternoon of research presentations and multi-disciplinary discussions. Topics ranged from the biology and treatment of triple negative breast cancer to patient and family support initiatives.
The center was established in 2022 after an anonymous donor made a $25 million gift to UNC Lineberger to fund the center and support other key UNC Lineberger initiatives. The largest donation in UNC Lineberger’s history, this gift directly supports eradicating a stubborn disease that disproportionately affects Black and young women and a field with historically limited research funding. The center provides the foundation for creative investigations that are critical to improving the treatment of triple negative breast cancer.
“The retreat underscores the importance of collaboration across different fields,” said Lisa A. Carey, MD, ScM, FASCO, the L. Richardson and Marilyn Jacobs Preyer Distinguished Professor in Breast Cancer Research and the center’s director. “We’re building a strong research culture that’s essential for tackling this challenging disease. Our inaugural years established collaborations and now we are expanding and building on our success.”
Presentations covered a wide range of research, including tumor profiling, novel tumor targets, cancer vaccines, and the recently launched CAR-T clinical trial. Other talks focused on patient care, such as genetic counseling, psychological support, financial assistance and community engagement.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see how much the center has accomplished in such a short time and the promising direction we’re heading,” said Jordan Lee, PhD, the center’s program manager. “By driving and supporting innovative research, we’re advancing our understanding of triple negative breast cancer—and bringing us closer to one day eradicating the disease.”