Funded Research Projects
Breast Cancer Cure has invested more than $12 million into life-saving breast cancer research in New Zealand over the past 29 years, with a clear goal of ensuring all New Zealanders not only survive breast cancer, but thrive beyond it. By funding transformative projects and fellowships that focus on more precise prevention, earlier detection, improved diagnosis and more effective treatments using advanced technologies, we are working to improve outcomes, address inequities, and support a better quality of life for everyone affected.
Proudly funding breast cancer research at leading New Zealand institutes
Using Deep Learning And Digital Pathology To Intrinsically Subtype Breast Cancer
Problem:Traditional pathology uses microscopes to examine tissue slides, but this method can be slow and inconsistent, and not all patients can afford advanced molecular testing. Project:Digital pa...
Computational pathology (CPATH)/Computer Assisted Diagnosis research in breast cancer.
Problem: Diagnosing breast cancer accurately and fairly is a challenge, and using a microscope alone doesn’t always catch unique patterns in cancer cells that could help with treatment. Project: Dr...
Validation Of A Liquid Biopsy To Predict Recurrence In NZ Breast Cancer Patients
Problem: Early detection of breast cancer recurrence is critical for saving lives. Project: Researchers have identified two molecules in the blood of 250 breast cancer patients that can pred...
Analysis Of Full-length Transcripts For Variant Classification In Breast Cancer
Problem: Genetic screening for breast cancer in New Zealand needs better tests to accurately identify high-risk genes and manage families at risk. Project: This study focuses on less-known high-ris...
Investigating Fn14 As A Driver Of Breast Cancer Metastasis
Project ObjectiveThe presence of a protein called Fn14 on the surface of 75% of invasive breast cancers, has been shown to be strongly prognostic for distant metastasis, with the strongest associat...
Targeting HIF-1 In Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Glutaminase Inhibitors
Project ObjectiveIt is now understood that Triple Negative breast cancer has many biologic nuances and a heterogeneity not previously understood. The aim of this project is to further characterise ...
Identifying breast cancer patients with clinically relevant mutations
Identification of cancer-causing mutations in the breast cancer susceptibility genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, has well-defined and actionable implications for disease prevention. However, routine diagnost...
Developing a molecular “fingerprint” as a non-invasive screen for breast cancer
This translational grant proposes to build on exciting BCRT-funded science that has led to the identification of two RNA markers in the blood, which together may be able to indicate whether a woman...
Funding a diverse range
Breast Cancer Cure funds a diverse range of research projects aimed at advancing the prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer, including the use of antibodies as targeted therapies to control cancer cell growth, ongoing work in early detection through the identification of potential blood markers, research into immunotherapy that harnesses the body’s own immune system, and the use of patient tissue samples to create patient-derived explants that allow researchers to study breast cancer in more personalised and effective ways.
