DR-468 Investigating effects of cancer treatment on metastatic risk and survivorship

Patients diagnosed with aggressive breast cancers, such as triple-negative breast cancer, often require intensive chemotherapy treatments. While these treatments are increasingly effective at eliminating cancer, they can also affect healthy cells and organs, sometimes increasing the risk of developing secondary tumours in places like the lungs or brain.

This project aims to use detailed clinical and genetic data from breast cancer patients to investigate how different chemotherapy treatments may influence where and how often these secondary tumours occur. By analysing this information, we aim to better understand the risk of relapse and identify biological changes caused by treatment that might make certain organs more vulnerable to secondary tumours.

Ultimately, our goal is to help develop strategies that prevent secondary cancers and improve the long-term health and quality of life for patients who depend on these therapies.

Cristina Branco, The Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom