Breast & Ovarian

Nearly half a million women in the United States are affected by breast and ovarian cancer each year. Unfortunately, many will be diagnosed with aggressive forms of these cancers. Women with high-grade serous ovarian cancer or triple-negative breast cancer face a much higher mortality rate. Triple-negative breast cancer is more likely to strike minority women and those under age 50.

These two advanced cancers share similar genetic causes, giving us a unique opportunity to make significant progress in treatment and prevention of both diseases.

MD Anderson’s Breast/Ovarian Cancer Moon Shot is a coordinated effort to attack two deadly cancers at the same time by combining the latest treatment technology and genetic knowledge to identify the most promising new treatments and move them into a clinical setting in a faster, more efficient way.

Our Approach

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  • Goals

    Mills Lab

    • Increase the five-year survival rate of women with triple-negative breast cancer or high-grade serous ovarian cancer
    • Identify women and families at risk for these cancers and implement programs to decrease the chance they will develop cancer
    • Change the upfront treatment to improve the outcomes of women with these cancers
    • Within the first year, implement clinical trials of promising new therapies
    • Develop new imaging technologies that can detect aggressive lethal breast tumors at an early stage
    • Convert temporary responses to durable therapy by identifying and targeting drug resistance mechanisms

  • Research

    Early detection of breast and ovarian cancers is vital to ensuring successful treatment and prolonging survival.  Our research efforts will focus on finding new tumor biomarkers that can help predict who will be affected and to determine the best treatment plan for those diagnosed with these diseases.

    Our research goals include:

    • Evaluating nearly 100 new approaches that can be used to increase the likelihood of detecting early-stage ovarian disease
    • Developing a test that will help determine which ovarian cancer patients would benefit from reductive surgery
    • Exploring an exciting new nanotechnology approach as a way to deliver therapies in patients whose breast cancer is resistant to treatment
    • Use animal models and 3-D imaging to study large numbers of potential targets for new drugs

  • Infrastructure

    MD Anderson has an extensive tissue bank with thousands of samples from breast and ovarian cancer patients. In addition, we have compiled data from both cancer and non-cancer patients in long-term studies of high-risk women and have those with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations, which are commonly found in both triple-negative breast cancer and high-grade serous ovarian cancer.  These valuable resources, combined with analysis from our highly experienced pathologists, have put MD Anderson at the forefront of research on ovarian and breast cancers.

    We will create a collaborative dynamic that allows us to quickly share our data and knowledge with our MD Anderson colleagues and with other researchers throughout the world. The infrastructure will bring together data from a variety of systems, allowing for real-time analysis.

  • Public Policy

    Because triple-negative breast cancer and high-grade serous ovarian cancer have known genetic causes, there’s a chance to affect the incidence of these diseases with prevention and screening programs.  Fortunately, both breast and ovarian cancer have long-term and successful public awareness and education campaigns, but more comprehensive outreach is needed.

    Our goal is to change public policy regarding these two advanced and deadly cancers by:

    • Establishing standard genetic testing for all women with triple-negative breast and high-grade serous ovarian cancers
    • Identifying and offering testing and screening for relatives of all patients with these cancers, who have positive results on genetic testing
    • Expanding Internet-based outreach and education efforts demonstrating the value of these approaches worldwide
    • Educating primary care providers and patients worldwide

  • Goals

    Mills Lab

    • Increase the five-year survival rate of women with triple-negative breast cancer or high-grade serous ovarian cancer
    • Identify women and families at risk for these cancers and implement programs to decrease the chance they will develop cancer
    • Change the upfront treatment to improve the outcomes of women with these cancers
    • Within the first year, implement clinical trials of promising new therapies
    • Develop new imaging technologies that can detect aggressive lethal breast tumors at an early stage
    • Convert temporary responses to durable therapy by identifying and targeting drug resistance mechanisms

  • Research

    Early detection of breast and ovarian cancers is vital to ensuring successful treatment and prolonging survival.  Our research efforts will focus on finding new tumor biomarkers that can help predict who will be affected and to determine the best treatment plan for those diagnosed with these diseases.

    Our research goals include:

    • Evaluating nearly 100 new approaches that can be used to increase the likelihood of detecting early-stage ovarian disease
    • Developing a test that will help determine which ovarian cancer patients would benefit from reductive surgery
    • Exploring an exciting new nanotechnology approach as a way to deliver therapies in patients whose breast cancer is resistant to treatment
    • Use animal models and 3-D imaging to study large numbers of potential targets for new drugs

  • Infrastructure

    MD Anderson has an extensive tissue bank with thousands of samples from breast and ovarian cancer patients. In addition, we have compiled data from both cancer and non-cancer patients in long-term studies of high-risk women and have those with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations, which are commonly found in both triple-negative breast cancer and high-grade serous ovarian cancer.  These valuable resources, combined with analysis from our highly experienced pathologists, have put MD Anderson at the forefront of research on ovarian and breast cancers.

    We will create a collaborative dynamic that allows us to quickly share our data and knowledge with our MD Anderson colleagues and with other researchers throughout the world. The infrastructure will bring together data from a variety of systems, allowing for real-time analysis.

  • Public Policy

    Because triple-negative breast cancer and high-grade serous ovarian cancer have known genetic causes, there’s a chance to affect the incidence of these diseases with prevention and screening programs.  Fortunately, both breast and ovarian cancer have long-term and successful public awareness and education campaigns, but more comprehensive outreach is needed.

    Our goal is to change public policy regarding these two advanced and deadly cancers by:

    • Establishing standard genetic testing for all women with triple-negative breast and high-grade serous ovarian cancers
    • Identifying and offering testing and screening for relatives of all patients with these cancers, who have positive results on genetic testing
    • Expanding Internet-based outreach and education efforts demonstrating the value of these approaches worldwide
    • Educating primary care providers and patients worldwide
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Our Team

The Moon Shot leaders are charged with galvanizing the large and integrated team that will move forward in a milestone-driven manner to convert scientific knowledge into drugs, tests, devices and policies that can benefit patients as quickly as possible. As many as 175 faculty members from more than 15 departments collaborated in the early stages of the Breast/Ovarian Moon Shot, representing disciplines including medical oncology, surgery, radiation oncology, pathology, and basic and translational research.

  • Mien-Chie Hung, M.D

    Mien-Chie Hung, Ph.D.

    Chair and Professor, Molecular and Cellular Oncology
  • Gordon Mills, M.D., Ph.D.

    Gordon Mills, M.D., Ph.D.

    Chair and Professor, Systems Biology
  • Anil Sood, M.D. (breast:ovarian) lab shot

    Anil Sood, M.D.

    Professor, Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine
  • Mien-Chie Hung, M.D

    Mien-Chie Hung, Ph.D.

    Chair and Professor, Molecular and Cellular Oncology

  • Gordon Mills, M.D., Ph.D.

    Gordon Mills, M.D., Ph.D.

    Chair and Professor, Systems Biology

  • Anil Sood, M.D. (breast:ovarian) lab shot

    Anil Sood, M.D.

    Professor, Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine

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Our Stories

These MD Anderson patients are surviving and thriving after their breast cancer and ovarian cancer diagnoses. What we have learned from their cancer journeys provides the launch platform for the Breast/Ovarian Moon Shot.

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  • Megan Silianoff

    Megan Silianoff

    Ovarian Cancer

    When Megan Silianoff was 28, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. After four surgeries in two years, she’s in complete remission. She says that while the news that she had “no evidence of disease” was something that millions of cancer patients dream of hearing, she didn’t feel the overwhelming satisfaction that you’d imagine. “My body may have rid itself of all the cancer, but the evidence that it was once there remains both literally and figuratively within me, and I’d have it no other way, I love my scars,” she says. “They’re tangible ‘evidence’ of my four surgeries, of what I’ve been through and how far I’ve come. I’m proud of my scars. I’ve earned my scars. My scars are evidence of my disease.” Read the full story…

  • Katrina Barlow

    Katrina Barlow

    Breast Cancer

    When diagnosed with breast cancer nine years ago, Katrina Barlow’s initial reaction was fear. “I was afraid, but I had faith I could overcome it,” she says. “My time at MD Anderson was divine — a blessing — what’s a better word than amazing? They took care of me and continue to care for me.” Barlow is now cancer-free. She has volunteered with the American Cancer Society and has even begun her own organization. Living and Fighting Fabulously Inc. is a non-profit group that helps women battling breast cancer by providing programs, services and community support. A hairdresser and stylist, she offers women in cancer treatment makeovers, hair replacement, medical expense support, healthy nutrition and exercise plans, along with a variety of other services.
    Read the full story…

  • Rachel Midgett

    Rachel Midgett

    stage 4 metastatic breast cancer

    Rachel Midgett’s cancer journey began in January 2007. She’d been married for 11 years and was about to turn 37 when she noticed a lump above her left breast. It turned out to be stage IV metastatic breast cancer, her worst nightmare. Now on her second clinical trial with Taxol and MLN8237, an aurora kinase inhibitor, the results from her first CT scan were positive. She says her mindset now is that cancer is forever a part of her life. “I’ve learned to enjoy life day by day. Each day is a gift,” Midgett says.
    Read the full story…

  • June Stokes

    June Stokes

    Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer

    June Stokes was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer in April 2000. She was told she had 12-18 months to live. Then, she visited MD Anderson oncologist Andrezj Kudelk for a second opinion. June has been cancer free for 11 years, and hopes her experiences offer comfort and peace to those who are beginning their journeys with (or after) a diagnosis of cancer. Read the full story…

  • Megan Silianoff

    Megan Silianoff

    Ovarian Cancer

    When Megan Silianoff was 28, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. After four surgeries in two years, she’s in complete remission. She says that while the news that she had “no evidence of disease” was something that millions of cancer patients dream of hearing, she didn’t feel the overwhelming satisfaction that you’d imagine. “My body may have rid itself of all the cancer, but the evidence that it was once there remains both literally and figuratively within me, and I’d have it no other way, I love my scars,” she says. “They’re tangible ‘evidence’ of my four surgeries, of what I’ve been through and how far I’ve come. I’m proud of my scars. I’ve earned my scars. My scars are evidence of my disease.” Read the full story…

  • Katrina Barlow

    Katrina Barlow

    Breast Cancer

    When diagnosed with breast cancer nine years ago, Katrina Barlow’s initial reaction was fear. “I was afraid, but I had faith I could overcome it,” she says. “My time at MD Anderson was divine — a blessing — what’s a better word than amazing? They took care of me and continue to care for me.” Barlow is now cancer-free. She has volunteered with the American Cancer Society and has even begun her own organization. Living and Fighting Fabulously Inc. is a non-profit group that helps women battling breast cancer by providing programs, services and community support. A hairdresser and stylist, she offers women in cancer treatment makeovers, hair replacement, medical expense support, healthy nutrition and exercise plans, along with a variety of other services.
    Read the full story…

  • Rachel Midgett

    Rachel Midgett

    stage 4 metastatic breast cancer

    Rachel Midgett’s cancer journey began in January 2007. She’d been married for 11 years and was about to turn 37 when she noticed a lump above her left breast. It turned out to be stage IV metastatic breast cancer, her worst nightmare. Now on her second clinical trial with Taxol and MLN8237, an aurora kinase inhibitor, the results from her first CT scan were positive. She says her mindset now is that cancer is forever a part of her life. “I’ve learned to enjoy life day by day. Each day is a gift,” Midgett says.
    Read the full story…

  • June Stokes

    June Stokes

    Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer

    June Stokes was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer in April 2000. She was told she had 12-18 months to live. Then, she visited MD Anderson oncologist Andrezj Kudelk for a second opinion. June has been cancer free for 11 years, and hopes her experiences offer comfort and peace to those who are beginning their journeys with (or after) a diagnosis of cancer. Read the full story…

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Breast & Ovarian Resources

Links, video and audio podcasts with more information from MD Anderson about breast and ovarian cancers

Information

Multimedia

 

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