The Against Breast Cancer community were treated to talks and laboratory tours during Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Open Day at our main research hub at the Centre of Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton.
Supporters, volunteers, research advocates and staff were welcomed by the Dean of Medicine, Professor Diana Eccles. Presentations followed made by key members of the research team outlining their latest progress, which was all made possible through fundraising towards the ABC Discover and ABC Therapeutic Antibody teams.
Guests also received guided laboratory tours led by researchers Dr Charlie Birts, Professor Stephen Beers and PhD student Grace Hayes. Together they learnt about the research process, how the team are improving antibody therapies and had the chance to see cancer cells under a microscope.
During the talks, Professor Paul Skipp discussed the continued development of miONCO-Dx, a 12-cancer early detection test – created as a result of our 5-year ABC Discover project – including its application to detect metastatic breast cancer at an early stage.
PhD student Grace Hayes discussed the teams’ findings on how obesity leads to a higher risk of breast cancer and reduces the effectiveness of certain treatments; knowledge which can be used to tailor better treatment options for individual patients.
Dr Ben Nicholas gave an update on novel methods employed during ABC Discover to help identify novel targets for future breast cancer vaccines.
Our hosts gave us a great welcome and demonstrated the great impact that is being made by the research is making. A great testament to the hard work and fundraising efforts of the ABC family as we strive towards a future free of secondary breast cancer.
Against Breast Cancer would like to thank Snita Bansal and Dr Charlie Birts for arranging our open day at the University of Southampton. Thanks also to AlphaLabs for kindly providing lunch.