Project Funding Details

Currently we do not have standardised biomarkers for the diagnoses for early stage, high risk triple-negative breast cancer patients. Nor do we know the underlying biology that increases cancer risk, especially in young women. One key factor in the fast progression of triple-negative breast cancer is a high level of vascularisation that is associated with it. New promising treatment methods are arising that focus on targeting the vascular interactions with breast cancer, however, there is still much to learn about the role of vascularisation in triple-negative breast cancer, and what mechanisms are involved that could become potential prognostic markers or therapeutic targets for breast cancer patients. Recent studies have shown that the standard culture of breast cancer cells on two dimensional surfaces for research purposes, is not accurately mimicking the natural progression of breast cancer in the human body, and therefore is hindering the development of new research technologies and breast cancer research. This study seeks to uncover the cellular interactions in triple-negative breast cancer that control its vascularisation, development and metastasis through the development of more relevant and sophisticated three dimensional culture technologies. By understanding how triple-negative breast cancer develops and metastasises, we have the potential to provide novel therapeutic intervention points, streamline the testing of new drugs and individualise patient treatment strategies.