Dr. O'Connor on Ongoing Breast Cancer Research

Kathleen L. O'Connor, MD, professor, associate director of Cancer Education, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, discusses the ongoing research in the field of breast cancer.

A deeper understanding of the heterogeneity of breast cancer has evolved the treatment landscape, O'Connor explains. Some subtypes, such as luminal A cancers, are treated with hormonal therapy, while triple-negative subtypes do not yet have effective therapies. Trastuzumab (Herceptin) has demonstrated efficacy for patients in a number of breast cancer subtypes, she adds.

UK Markey is involved in research dedicated to understanding triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). A current focus by the NCI-designated cancer center is a pilot study aimed at understanding the genetics of TNBC and how these tumors respond to therapy.