FIRST NAMED INVESTIGATOR: Dr Vanessa Lattimore
HOST INVESTIGATOR: University of Otago

Problem
People with a high genetic risk of breast cancer often face tough choices like surgery (mastectomy) to lower their risk, which can significantly affect their quality of life, especially for young women.

Project
This study will explore a new therapy using antisense oligonucleotides, which has been effective in treating other genetic disorders, to see if it can help prevent breast cancer by altering gene splicing.

Outcome
If successful, this therapy could offer a new way to reduce cancer risk without the need for surgery.

Future
The research aims to create new, effective treatments for people with a genetic risk of breast cancer, improving their options and quality of life.

Project Update
To prevent breast cancer, surgery like mastectomy is effective but can seriously affect a person’s life, especially younger women. Researchers are exploring new treatments that could reduce cancer risk without surgery by changing specific genes. They’re making good progress with gene-editing technology and working with the University of Southampton on this.

The end of contract report and final report is due 2024.