Beyond Clinical Trial Research
In addition to clinical trial research, we have a wide range of basic (laboratory) and translational studies which help us better understand the biology of breast cancer and allow us to translate research findings into better treatments for patients. We have a robust infrastructure — including facilities to store blood and tissue samples, databases for clinical data, and dedicated research staff — that allows us to carry out large cohort registry and bio-banking studies to better understand how breast cancer develops and progresses. Our physician-scientists are also involved in research that aims to improve prevention and early detection efforts as well as quality of life for the whole patient.
Patient advocates are important members of our research teams, providing a patient perspective as we conduct research and design new studies.
Learn more about breast cancer patient advocates, including how to become one.
Basic (Laboratory) Research
Basic cancer researchers try to understand the biology of cancer by studying cells, molecules, or genes in a laboratory, with the aim of developing new treatments. Using cutting-edge lab models, our basic scientists are studying how breast cancer spreads (metastasizes), why some tumors become resistant to treatment, and how defects in DNA repair can be targeted. They also explore ways to make cancer cells more vulnerable to the immune system. This type of research helps lay the groundwork for future clinical trials that test new targeted therapies, drug combinations, and immunotherapies in patients. These labs are conducting ongoing basic research in breast cancer at Dana-Farber:
Translational Research
Translational research bridges the gap between basic and clinical research by turning scientific discoveries into new diagnostic tools and treatments. At Dana-Farber, our researchers identify biomarkers, test new therapies, and find ways to overcome treatment resistance. Working closely with doctors caring for patients, they help design and inform clinical trials that bring the latest advances from the lab directly to our patients. The Breast Oncology Center Translational Hub is an innovative program that collects, processes, and stores biological samples (e.g. blood, tissue, stool) donated by people participating in research studies and turns tissue slides into digital images so they can be more easily studied and shared.
Bioinformatics is the science of using computers to analyze the information from donated biological samples. The Breast Oncology Center Computational Biology Group specializes in this type of research, applying computational methods to better understand breast cancer biology.
Cohort Registry and Bio-Banking Studies
Cohort and registry studies involve tracking groups of patients over time to collect detailed clinical, demographic, and treatment data to understand how breast cancer develops and progresses, evaluate outcomes, and identify risk factors. Bio-banking studies involve the collection, processing, and storage of biological samples from patients for future research. These samples are then linked with clinical data, which allows researchers to study disease biology, discover biomarkers, and develop new diagnostic tools and therapies. Some of our cohort and bio-banking registries include:
- Early stage breast cancer
- Metastatic breast cancer
- Triple-negative breast cancer
- Inflammatory breast cancer
- Young adults with breast cancer
- Older adults with breast cancer
- Male breast cancer
Patient Focused Research
In addition to treatment-focused studies, we conduct a wide range of research aimed at improving all aspects of patient care. This includes prevention and early detection, as well as lifestyle research examining the role of diet, exercise, and other factors in breast cancer outcomes. Our researchers are also investigating integrative medicine approaches — such as yoga and acupuncture — to help manage symptoms and enhance well-being. Our supportive care studies focus on symptom management, expanding access to care for all patients, and reducing barriers to clinical trial participation.
Patient Advocates Review Clinical and Translational Research
At the Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers, breast cancer patients are not only the beneficiaries of research advances; in a patient-centered approach, they help guide the research itself. The Breast Cancer Advocacy Group, composed chiefly of breast cancer patients and survivors, provide a patient perspective to the Center's clinical investigators. The group reviews concepts and protocols for clinical trials from a patient’s perspective. For example, the advocates might recommend revisions to research questions so they more closely reflect the concerns of patients.
The advocates are also members of project teams for the Breast SPORE (Specialized Program of Research Excellence) from the National Cancer Institute, reviewing applications for institutional and SPORE-funded Career Development Awards, and working hand-in-hand with investigators to design research studies.
For Physicians: Breast Cancer Treatment Guidelines
Our breast oncology experts actively review clinical research data and develop guidelines on how physicians can best utilize certain treatments recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
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