Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed every October, provides an opportunity to shine a light on groundbreaking advancements reshaping cancer care at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. Researchers are pioneering bold, patient-centered therapies designed to battle breast cancer more effectively and ease patients’ journeys, reducing side effects and enhancing quality of life.

Approximately one in eight women are projected to develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. Through research and innovation, Wayne State’s oncology experts are working to improve survival rates and quality of life for patients across various stages of the disease.

Michael Simon, M.D., a professor of internal medicine and oncology, co-leads the Karmanos Cancer Institute’s Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Team and is encouraged by the latest therapeutic breakthroughs.

“There are a number of new treatments targeting specific types of breast cancer, allowing us to both prevent recurrence and treat advanced cases with more tolerable, life-saving medications,” he said.

This tailored treatment offers hope for more effective outcomes with fewer adverse effects, which has been a long-standing goal in breast cancer care. Through continuous advancements in targeted therapies, breast cancer care is moving closer to a future where treatments are not only more effective but easier on the body.

One groundbreaking area of research focuses on cellular therapies that use a patient’s immune system to combat cancer from within. Hadeel Assad, M.D., an associate professor in the Department of Oncology and co-leader of the Karmanos Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Team, underscored the potential of these new treatment approaches.

“Cellular therapy could be transformative,” she said. “By enhancing the patient’s own immune t-cells in the lab to fight their cancer, we could achieve a one-time infusion that potentially keeps cancer at bay for years.”

Black women are often diagnosed at more advanced stages and face higher mortality rates, and Wayne State is also committed to addressing this critical health disparity through research that is expanding access to early detection and targeted treatments to reach at-risk populations, including a focus on medical care and the social factors that influence health outcomes. Genetic counseling is another key tool, allowing clinicians to identify individuals at higher genetic risk and provide an increased chance of early detection.

 “We will continue to be involved in national studies looking at new treatment options for women at every stage of the disease trajectory from screening, prevention, treatment of early and advanced breast cancer,” said Simon.

School of Medicine Dean Wael Sakr, M.D., commended the university’s efforts in expanding access to critical health services and fostering transformative research.

“Wayne State is committed to health equity and innovation, providing life-saving research and education that not only benefits our immediate community but sets a new standard for care nationally,” he said. “Our work here during Breast Cancer Awareness Month demonstrates the importance of community-engaged research and the profound impact it can have.”