RESEARCH
Research into breast cancer like all forms of the disease is conducted
in a variety of ways. It includes:
Basic, or "laboratory" research to understand the
fundamental properties of normal and malignant cells and how they react
to drugs, radiation and other forms of treatment; genes, hormones and
proteins; and elements of cancer including metastasis (the migration
or spreading of cancer cells) and angiogenesis (the formation of blood
vessels which nourish tumors);
Clinical research, also called "clinical
trials" the application of new therapies, preventive tools
or other interventions to understand the toxicity of new treatments;
to improve quality and/or quantity of life of cancer patients; and to
reduce the risk of nondiagnosed individuals; Translational research,
which bridges the two distinct areas of basic and clinical research.
Its goal is to bring science and medicine together to bring about faster
applications of ideas and the better understanding of the disease and
the effectiveness of therapies among humans;
Behavioral and communications research to engender a
better understanding of humans’ rationale for decision making
relating to screening, prevention, detection, treatment and followup
care; and Epidemiological research, which studies cancer incidence and
mortality to better ascertain risk and genetics, ethnicity, lifestyle,
the environment and other factors.
While much is known about breast cancer, research continues to provide
more clarity into whom develops breast cancer and why as well as variations
in outcomes for persons diagnosed with the disease.
Komen Research Grants
|
