The extensive heterogeneity of breast and ovarian tumors underscores the significant challenge associated with predicting response to therapy, metastatic potential and development of treatment refractory disease. Fortunately, data generated through genomic research has shed significant light on tumor cell complexity, revealing the presence of more homogeneous molecular subtypes. The shared characteristics of identifiable tumor subtypes indicate a degree of similarity of activated oncogenic signaling pathways, and have more predictable responses to selected therapies. These observations are paving the way to development of personalized treatment strategies targeted through measurable disease biology.

Research in our laboratory is focused on dissecting and understanding oncogenic disease progression mechanisms operating in identifiable biological contexts of breast and ovarian cancers. The overarching goals of the BOCRU are the discovery and validation of:

Staff:
Heather Cunliffe, PhD, Unit Head
Julie Getz, MS. Research Associate
Catherine Mancini, BS. Research Associate
Pilar Ramos, BS. Research Associate
Eric Anderson, ASU Undergraduate Intern
Josh Niska, ASU Undergraduate Intern
Megan Russell, ASU Undergraduate Intern
Rachel Albinda, Phoenix College Undergraduate Intern
Sarah Albinda, Phoenix College Undergraduate Intern