Topic: Health

Scientists are working to better understand and treat aggressive breast cancer. They're studying how tumors interact with the immune system to find new biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment.

Breast cancer is a major health concern worldwide. In 2022, about 2.3 million women were diagnosed with the disease, and roughly 670,000 died from it. While treatments have improved, some forms of breast cancer are especially aggressive and difficult to manage. One challenge doctors face is predicting how these fast-growing cancers will progress.

A new research project called Biomarker Research Integrating Data of Glyco-Immune Signatures and Clinical Evidence in Breast Cancer (BRIDGE) aims to address this gap. The project focuses on finding better ways to detect and treat aggressive breast cancer by identifying biological clues that reveal how the disease behaves in each patient.

The team, led by Catarina Brito from Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier of NOVA University of Lisbon (ITQB NOVA), is studying how cancer cells interact with their surroundings. This includes immune cells, blood vessels, and other supporting structures. They're especially interested in small molecules found on the surface of cells that may help tumors avoid detection by the immune system.

The researchers hope to validate their findings using real patient samples and translate this knowledge into clinical applications. By finding new biomarkers, they aim to contribute to more precise therapies and move toward more personalized breast cancer care.

The BRIDGE project is supported by the iNOVA4Health Lighthouse Projects (LHP) 2025 program, which funds research with strong potential to move from the lab into clinical practice. The project will receive up to €75,000 over the next two years to support its work.

Why It Matters

This research can help improve breast cancer treatment options in India, where breast cancer is a significant health concern. By understanding how tumors interact with the immune system, scientists can develop more effective treatments and save lives.

Key Facts

• About 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide in 2022.
• Roughly 670,000 women died from breast cancer in 2022.
• The BRIDGE project aims to find better ways to detect and treat aggressive breast cancer.
• The project focuses on identifying biological clues that reveal how the disease behaves in each patient.
• The researchers hope to contribute to more precise therapies and move toward more personalized breast cancer care.

Key Terms

Biomarkers

Measurable biological signals in the blood, tissues or other samples that can help doctors monitor how cancer develops over time and guide treatment decisions.

Implications

This research can help improve breast cancer treatment options in India, where breast cancer is a significant health concern. By understanding how tumors interact with the immune system, scientists can develop more effective treatments and save lives.