Research Leads to Breakthrough Treatment for Breast Cancer Patients
The breast cancer research program at Loyola Medicine is an interdisciplinary partnership between the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center and the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine’s oncology institute.
Cancer research physicians and scientists work in close collaboration to develop breakthrough treatments and diagnostic tests for breast cancer patients, as well as options to prevent breast cancer for women who are at risk.
Thanks to the exceptional work of our nationally recognized team, Loyola continues to lead the way in care for women with breast cancer. Our cancer researchers direct and develop major national studies that directly influence cancer prevention, treatment, survival and quality of life. As a result, we have extensive experience with innovative breast cancer treatments that other health systems are just beginning to offer.
Translational Research in Laboratory and at Bedside
Loyola’s cancer research philosophy is defined by “translational research,” which means that we connect research performed in our laboratories to care provided in a clinical setting. As a result, translational research converts cellular, genetic and molecular discoveries into actual tools to improve your breast cancer care—whether that is to treat, diagnose or prevent cancer.
Our breast cancer research program is divided into two primary components: breast preclinical research and breast clinical research.
Breast preclinical research focuses on basic, scientific breast cancer research and takes place in laboratories (called the "research bench"). The program includes several research teams that are exploring novel breast cancer drugs, diagnostic and therapeutic targets, including the study of:
- Bio-informatics
- Breast cancer stem cells
- HER2/neu oncogene and notch
- Notch and breast cancer cells
- Notch genes
- Psychological stress reduction techniques
- Receptor function
Breast clinical research combines the work of a multidisciplinary team of medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, research nurses and other professionals. This research is conducted in a clinical or hospital setting (called the "bedside"). Our doctors are internationally recognized for their role in developing new breast cancer treatments and publishing cancer survivorship studies.
Collaboration between these two components is critical for a meaningful and successful research program. Together, they have produced initiatives at the national and international forefront of breast cancer research, both in the laboratory and in the clinic. This means that Loyola is regularly discovering breakthrough treatments and ways to prevent cancer that will ultimately improve care for our patients and their families.
Groundbreaking Clinical Trials for Breast Cancer Research
Having a breast cancer research program that focuses on “translational research” also means Loyola gives you the opportunity to participate in some of the world's most advanced clinical trials.
For example, our research team is studying new breast cancer procedures that promise to dramatically reduce the amount of treatment necessary—increasing your comfort and convenience during therapy.
If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, talk with your doctor about options that are available to you.
