A Legacy of Scientific Excellence in Breast Cancer Research

October is the awareness month for breast cancer, a disease which has been a major research focus at the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) since its inception. World-leading scientists at the GCI have led new discoveries in breast cancer, developed breast cancer models used by the global research community, and pioneered an understanding of the importance of the breast tumor environment on cancer initiation and progression. This research is carried out with the numerous Canadians who will develop breast cancer in their lifetime in mind, with the ultimate goal of improving therapeutic options and responses.

Among the many leaders in breast cancer research at the GCI are professors Morag Park, William Muller, Peter Siegel, Luke McCaffery, Daniela Quail and Guojun Chen. Prof. Morag Park’s legacy in breast cancer research includes the discovery of the MET oncogene, which plays a causal role in some types of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This important finding presents a new potential drug target for an aggressive breast cancer subtype with few effective treatment options. She has received numerous awards for her leadership in the breast cancer research field, including the Grand Prix Scientifique of the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation. 

Discoveries from GCI researchers have propelled advancements in the global breast cancer research community. Prof. William Muller’s pioneering work includes the creation of one of the world’s first genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of breast cancer. This model has become integral to modern cancer research and was employed in proving that a gene known as HER2 causes breast cancer in 15-20% of patients. Revolutionary therapies targeting the HER2 protein that have since improved outcomes for many breast cancer patients.

Researchers at the GCI are investigating the first stages of breast cancer development to the advanced stages of metastasis. Prof. Luke McCaffrey is a leader in characterizing the early events of breast cancer development in pre-clinical models and in patients. He collaborates with leading artificial intelligence (AI) experts to develop AI-based image analysis that can predict which patients with early breast cancers are at high risk of progression. Prof. Peter Siegel’s studies on how advanced breast cancer spreads to specific organs has revealed the critical role of cancer metabolism. He leads Canada’s most prominent national research team dedicated to cancer metabolism, funded by the Terry Fox Research Institute.

Prof. Daniela Quail is also investigating breast cancer metabolism and how metabolic risk factors associated with obesity promote breast cancer incidence and progression. Her work is widely recognized for her innovative studies on the roles of the innate immune system and how nutrition, obesity and the immune system interact in breast cancer response to therapies. She has also advocated for keeping breast cancer patients at the heart of breast cancer research. Prof. Guojun Chen's research focuses on innovative treatments for aggressive cancer types, including triple-negative breast cancer. He combines immunotherapy with cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), an ionized gas, to enhance the immune system's ability to attack cancer cells, showing promise in treating cancers that are resistant to conventional therapies. His work aims to develop more effective, targeted cancer treatments.

The groundbreaking research at the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute continues to shape the global fight against breast cancer. With advancements including innovative models, targeted therapies, nutritional interventions and more, researchers at the GCI are working towards finding the knowledge to cure this disease.