As a unique and complete breast cancer prevention charity, we fund high quality breast cancer research focussed on predicting and preventing the disease.
One of our current projects, fully funded by the charity, introduces a new method of maintaining human breast tissue to test preventative drugs. This 36-month project is led by Dr Hannah Harrison of the University of Manchester.
Working alongside Hannah is PhD student Anthony Wilby. We caught up with Anthony to find out more about his role and the exciting research he’s carrying out.
Could you tell us about your scientific background, and why you chose to work in this area?
I completed an MSci in Medical Biochemistry at the University of Manchester in 2023, where I developed a keen interest in cancer, its development, and prevention. I was particularly drawn to this PhD project due to its clinical relevance and opportunity it presents to enhance breast cancer prevention. Additionally, it is aligned with the 3Rs principle (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal models in scientific research), which is important for research sustainability.
We asked Anthony to tell us more about his PhD.
Most new treatments are currently tested in mouse models but the translation rate from mice to patients is poor, with 90% of anti-cancer drugs failing clinically. My PhD focuses on developing, testing and validating a novel ex plant model that allows human breast tissue from high-risk women to be cultured in the lab. This model has already demonstrated the ability to maintain various characteristics of the breast. By developing and validating a more translatable model, we aim to create a platform where new preventative strategies can be tested, ultimately improving treatment options for high-risk individuals.
What impact do you see this project making for the future of breast cancer research?
Currently, women at high risk of developing breast cancer are given drugs like Tamoxifen. These drugs have some side effects, resulting in poor uptake and adherence to treatment. Through the successful development and validation of this new ex plant model, we hope to personalise treatment and discover better preventive strategies with more tolerable side effects and greater efficacy.
What does a breast cancer free future mean to you?
Cancer is a horrible disease that profoundly impacts patients and their loved ones. In the UK alone, approximately 56,800 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. For these patients, the development of new treatments and improved screening will be vital. However, if we can reduce the number of people developing the disease, or prevent it all together, this would be a phenomenal achievement improving the quality of life for millions of individuals worldwide.
Watch this video for more insight into this pioneering research.
Thanks so much to Anthony for taking the time to talk to us.
Read about all of our current research projects by visiting our project page.
About Prevent Breast Cancer
Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity entirely dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer – we’re committed to freeing the world from the disease altogether. Unlike many cancer charities, we’re focused on preventing, rather than curing. Promoting early diagnosis, screening and lifestyle changes, we believe we can stop the problem before it starts. And being situated at the only breast cancer prevention centre in the UK, we’re right at the front-line in the fight against the disease. Join us today and help us create a future free from breast cancer. If you have any questions or concerns, email us today.
