逾百名英國知名乳腺癌醫生和研究人員10月1日說，如果乳腺癌研究能得到全面支持與多方合作，到2050年，人類有很大希望能最終預防和治癒乳腺癌。專家們呼籲，目前應在至少10個方面加強乳腺癌研究，爭取在40年中攻克這一癌症。
這些專家在英國新一期學術期刊《乳腺癌研究》上聯名發布一項報告說，乳腺癌是女性健康的最主要殺手之一，預計全球每年新增138萬名乳腺癌患者。如果不從現在開始加強相關研究和採取防治措施，到2030年英國將有超過120萬名女性罹患此病，18.5萬人死亡。
報告建議，研究人員應在乳腺癌致病基因方面投入更多精力，同時加強多領域間合作，如將計算機技術、物理、工程等研究與臨床應用結合起來，提高乳腺癌防治率。
報告作者認為，關於乳腺癌擴散的研究也需得到加強。研究人員應多收集癌變組織樣本，爭取在2030年之前探明腫瘤生長和擴散的多種誘發因素，使臨床醫生能為病人選擇更具個性化的治療手段，降低復發率。
報告還呼籲社會給予乳腺癌研究更多資金支持，以幫助取得研究進展。英國乳腺癌慈善組織「乳腺癌運動」表示，將爭取在未來10年內募集100萬英鎊（約合162萬美元），專門用於支持相關研究。(生物谷Bioon.com)
生物谷推薦的英文摘要
BREAST CANCER RESEARCH doi:10.1186/bcr3493
Critical research gaps and translational priorities for the successful prevention and treatment of breast cancer
Suzanne A Eccles，Alastair M Thompson etc.
Introduction
Breast cancer remains a significant scientific, clinical and societal challenge. This gap analysis has reviewed and critically assessed enduring issues and new challenges emerging from recent research, and proposes strategies for translating solutions into practice.
Methods
More than 100 internationally recognised specialist breast cancer scientists, clinicians and healthcare professionals collaborated to address nine thematic areas: genetics, epigenetics and epidemiology; molecular pathology and cell biology; hormonal influences and endocrine therapy; imaging, detection and screening; current/novel therapies and biomarkers; drug resistance; metastasis, angiogenesis, circulating tumour cells, cancer 『stem』 cells; risk and prevention; living with and managing breast cancer and its treatment. The groups developed summary papers through an iterative process which, following further appraisal from experts and patients, were melded into this summary account.
Results
The 10 major gaps identified were: (1) understanding the functions and contextual interactions of genetic and epigenetic changes in normal breast development and during malignant transformation; (2) how to implement sustainable lifestyle changes (diet, exercise and weight) and chemopreventive strategies; (3) the need for tailored screening approaches including clinically actionable tests; (4) enhancing knowledge of molecular drivers behind breast cancer subtypes, progression and metastasis; (5) understanding the molecular mechanisms of tumour heterogeneity, dormancy, de novo or acquired resistance and how to target key nodes in these dynamic processes; (6) developing validated markers for chemosensitivity and radiosensitivity; (7) understanding the optimal duration, sequencing and rational combinations of treatment for improved personalised therapy; (8) validating multimodality imaging biomarkers for minimally invasive diagnosis and monitoring of responses in primary and metastatic disease; (9) developing interventions and support to improve the survivorship experience; (10) a continuing need for clinical material for translational research derived from normal breast, blood, primary, relapsed, metastatic and drug-resistant cancers with expert bioinformatics support to maximise its utility. The proposed infrastructural enablers include enhanced resources to support clinically relevant in vitro and in vivo tumour models; improved access to appropriate, fully annotated clinical samples; extended biomarker discovery, validation and standardisation; and facilitated cross-discipline working.
Conclusions
With resources to conduct further high-quality targeted research focusing on the gaps identified, increased knowledge translating into improved clinical care should be achievable within five years.