Research summary
Among Canadian women, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) and is the second-leading cause of death from cancer. Women are at higher risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancer if they have an inherited gene mutation. Dr. Samuel Aparicio, Canada Research Chair in Molecular Oncology and Therapeutics, is looking for ways to improve outcomes for patients who have-or are at risk of developing-breast and ovarian cancers.
Building on their recent insights into cancer evolution, Aparicio and his research team are trying to determine the mechanisms and consequences of genomic instability in triple-negative breast cancers and high-grade serous ovarian cancers. They are also using the information they uncover to identify and test new treatments for these high-risk cancers. Their discoveries may apply to other types of cancer as well.