Impact of increased adiposity on breast cancer biology and treatment efficacy

Increased body mass index (BMI) has been recognized as a risk factor for developing breast cancer and has also been associated with adverse survival. Here we aim to investigate the associations between the patient’s BMI at diagnosis and the biological characteristics of the tumor using large patient cohorts. Additionally, we will aim to better understand how BMI affects cancer treatment efficacy. While ~1 out of 2 breast cancer patients has an increased BMI, this has so far rarely been taken into consideration for refining their treatment. Therefore, in depth investigations between patient adiposity, tumor biology, treatment and outcomes, which will be the focus of my lab, could lead to personalized treatment strategies to be potentially explored in the context of clinical trials.

Keywords:breast cancer

Disciplines:Morphological sciences, Oncology