Dr. Perez on the Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer Genomic Study

Edith A. Perez, MD, deputy director, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Florida, director, Breast Program, Serene M. and Frances C. Durling Professor of Medicine, Mayo Medical School, discusses the Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer Translational Genomics Program, which received funding from 26.2 with Donna, a national marathon that donates all its funds to breast cancer research.

The Mayo Clinic study used next generation gene sequencing in cell lines and human specimens to find the true genomic make-up of breast cancer. The goal of the research was to find new gene markers that predict responses to specific therapies.

The discovery of new gene profiles aids the development of associated targeted agents. The Breast Cancer Translational Genomics Program represents one of the first studies to systematically examine the genome of breast cancer, including fusion genes and transcripts.

Perez notes, current treatments have increased cure rates for women with breast cancer but more work is needed to cure every patient.