Breast cancer is a terrible affliction across the whole world. But in Ethiopia, it seems to be especially menacing, striking women at younger ages and at more advanced stages. Now, a cross-continental team of researchers is embarking on a groundbreaking project to understand why. Comparing the genetic landscapes of Ethiopian tumors with those in the U.S., they aim to uncover the mysteries of this devastating disease – and offer new hope for innovative treatments.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of women across the world die from breast cancer, and millions more are diagnosed. This tragic, terrible disease produces global traumas.
But in Ethiopia, breast cancer casts a shadow far more menacing than in many other parts of the world: there, breast cancer tends to strike women at a younger age than their counterparts of European descent, and is often diagnosed at alarmingly late stages.
In this research initiative, a team of researchers from UMass Amherst will join their Ethiopian colleagues to uncover the genetic factors driving this phenomenon. By leveraging cutting-edge genetic sequencing methods, the collaboration seeks to explore the molecular and genetic landscapes that define Ethiopian breast cancer and set it apart from cases in the United States.
The heart of this project lies in its innovative approach: combining tumor samples from Ethiopian women with those from late-stage US patients to identify potential genetic markers for the disease. The goal is to reveal specific genetic mutations that could pave the way for novel drug treatments and to contribute significantly to the global understanding of breast cancer's genetic diversity.
Importantly, this project also serves as a training ground for the next generation of scientists. Involving graduate students in this vital research, the study blends the pursuit of scientific knowledge with the empowerment of young researchers. In particular, UMass Amherst will have the privilege of hosting a student from Addis Ababa University, fostering international collaboration and capacity building in research.
By taking on such a serious issue in this underserved patient population, these students can see the direct impact of STEM research when it is rooted firmly in a social purpose. And with the ultimate goal of developing more effective, personalized treatment strategies, this research could mark a significant step forward in the fight against an ailment that knows no borders.
Read more about the Grants HERE.