Program overview

Principal investigator Olufunmilayo Olopade, MD, FACP,
Walter L. Palmer Distinguished Service Professor of medicine and human genetics
Co-principal investigator Gini Fleming, MD, professor of medicine
Co-principal investigator Maryellen Giger, PhD, FAAPM, FAIMBE,
professor of radiology and medical physics
Lead a team of 11 senior basic, clinical and population science investigators
at the University of Chicago

The University of Chicago Breast Cancer SPORE brings together a multidisciplinary team of basic, clinical, and population science investigators to design innovative research that will reduce the worldwide suffering from breast cancer using a uniquely global strategy. 

This integrated effort aims at developing genetic and imaging-based approaches to the prevention, detection, and treatment of breast cancer in women who are at increased risk of developing an aggressive form of malignancy at a young age.  This is a grave clinical issue because currently there is no defined screening strategy for reducing breast cancer mortality in women less than 40 years of age.  This is a particular problem for young women of African ancestry, because this type of breast cancer disproportionately affects them.  Thus, a portion of the study tackles the global issue of health disparities between different ethnic and racial groups. 

The goal of the SPORE is to get to the root of the problem by identifying genetic mutations and altered protein pathways that promote aggressive behavior in breast cancer and limit the effectiveness of treatment for some patients.  Understanding these cellular dynamics will help us create more effective and less harmful ways to prevent, screen, diagnose, and treat breast cancer in all women. 

The Breast Cancer SPORE is composed of four primary research projects, which will be supported by three core resources that will serve the purposes of administration, biospecimen management, and informatics. 

In addition, a Developmental Research Program and Career Development program will promote new research endeavors and enhance the quality of breast cancer research and investigators at University of Chicago for years to come. 

The SPORE investigators, core facilities, and development programs are joining and expanding upon the current efforts of the University of Chicago Cancer Research Center with the expectation that together our work will translate into dramatic improvements in breast cancer outcomes.