Published on July 13, 2015
Funds support Andrew Dannenberg, MD in research of critical blood test
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Prevent Cancer Foundation has awarded a research grant to Dr. Andrew Dannenberg, Associate Director of Cancer Prevention at the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center and the Henry R. Erle, M.D.-Roberts Family Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. Dannenberg and his team will attempt to validate a blood-based signature of fatty tissue inflammation in the breast. This promising project could be a step toward developing a blood test that identifies women who are at increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Dannenberg’s lab has long been exploring the relationship between inflammation and cancer. In recent work, he has used mice and human breast tissue samples to establish a link between obesity, inflammation and aromatase, a key enzyme involved in the production of estrogens. This is one of multiple potential mechanisms by which inflamed fat may increase the risk of breast cancer.
“We are grateful for the important investigations Dr. Dannenberg has been involved in to date and are pleased to be supporting his research with this two-year grant,” said Carolyn Aldigé, President and Founder of the Prevent Cancer Foundation. “It is exactly this type of high-risk, high-reward study that could lead to the next big breakthrough in cancer prevention and early detection.”
This two-year grant, the largest in the Foundation’s 30-year history of funding research, is made possible from funds raised during the Awesome Games Done Quick speedrunner video game marathon this past January.
About the Prevent Cancer Foundation:
Founded in 1985, the Prevent Cancer Foundation is one of the nation’s leading voluntary health organizations and has catapulted cancer prevention to prominence. Since its inception, the Foundation has provided $138 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education, outreach and advocacy across the country.
For more information, visit www.preventcancer.org
