The Metastatic Breast Cancer Project (MBCProject.org) is a collaborative new research project launched by the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute that directly engages metastatic breast cancer patients and empowers them to accelerate research by sharing their DNA samples and clinical information.
Led by Dr. Nikhil Wagle at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Broad Institute, the goal of the project is to create a patient-researcher partnership to speed discoveries and new treatments for metastatic breast cancer—one of the most challenging areas of breast cancer research. Metastasis occurs when a cancer cell leaves the original tumor site and travels to other parts of the body. Currently there is no cure for metastatic breast cancer. In gathering a wide range of patient data, the project will give researchers access to new, reliable information.
“The MBC Project has uniquely undertaken the task of first accumulating data by tapping directly into the metastatic breast cancer community, and ultimately making that data broadly available to researchers,” said Dr. Marc Hurlbert, BCRF Chief Mission Officer and Chairman of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance. “In providing investigators with open access to vital information, the project will undoubtedly speed the advancement of breakthroughs in metastatic breast cancer.”
Nearly a year underway, the MBC Project now collaborates with more than 20 advocacy organizations. BCRF is providing funding towards a unique study within the MBC Project aimed specifically at studying the genomics of African-American women with metastatic breast cancer in hopes of understanding new approaches to preventing or treating metastases—a problem that is especially prevalent for black women.
The MBC project was designed and implemented with the input of dozens of metastatic breast cancer patients, advocates, and advocacy organizations and continues to actively engage the metastatic breast cancer community at every step.
Patients with metastatic breast cancer can sign up for the project by visiting MBCproject.org, clicking “Count Me In” and entering their name and email address. There is no cost to participate. Since their launch in October of 2015, over 2,600 women and men with metastatic breast cancer have joined the study.
To learn more visit MBCproject.org.
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