Walk to Remember and Inspire: Making Progress Against Breast Cancer

ST. LOUIS – The number of deaths related to breast cancer is decreasing. The next step "Taking a step forward against breast cancer" is a major asset for the search for a cure.

The American Cancer Society is funding $ 6 million in research grants right here in St. Louis. One of these grants allowed to develop tumor on chip.

Priscilla Hwang, Ph.D., is a biomedical engineer and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washington. Her combined interests offer hope that will save the lives of breast cancer patients.

"We are looking for ways to look for ways to prevent cancer metastasis," said Dr. Hwang.

A clear three-chamber model becomes a very valuable tool for tracking cancer progression.

"We can mimic native breast tumor tissue in a lab environment. And it's interesting because we can see in real time how tumor cells migrate away from the main site, "said Hwang.

This creates the possibility for new drug treatments to treat the disease before a life is lost. Every form of breast cancer is different. Metastases are one of the leading causes of death in patients with breast cancer.

April Dzubic, Executive Director of the North American Cancer Society, is monitoring the progress of various research projects.

"There is a lot of hope right now. And there is hope for projects like Mr. Hwang's, "Dzubic said. "We have seen a 39% decrease in breast cancer deaths over the last three decades."

Improvement of treatment, early detection and research are factors in this decline.

"Personalized medicine is definitely the way of the future. By using these model systems, we are able to bring us closer to a successful treatment of breast cancer, "Hwang said.

The American Cancer Society is the largest funder of cancer research outside of the federal government. Over the past 10 years, generous people have helped the cause by getting involved in the March for Breast Cancer. This money finances innovative and revolutionary research.

"We celebrate 10 years with our (walk). We really hope to reach the $ 2 million mark here in St. Louis. That's a lot of research funding for projects like Mr. Hwang's, "said Dzubic.

The grant review process is rigorous. Dr. Hwang expressed appreciation for the grant program offered by the American Cancer Society.

"It took several cycles to get the money and I am now extremely grateful and excited to be able to do the work I want to do to move the field forward," she said.

The research symbolizes hope. The funds raised will expand this research. The 10th Annual Walk Breast Cancer Walk will be held on October 27 in Lower MUNY Park in Forest Park.