Researchers at The UWI Mona have achieved a significant breakthrough in the fight against breast cancer. An abstract of this groundbreaking study on novel Black breast cancer cell lines has been accepted for presentation at the prestigious American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Conference, scheduled for April 5-10 at the San Diego Convention Centre in California. The abstract will be published in leading Cancer journal, Cancer Research with an impact factor of 12.701.

This research, led by Dr. Simone Badal, Senior lecturer and Anticancer Researcher at The UWI Mona, represents a critical step forward in developing targeted therapies for breast cancer. Dr, Badal and her team investigated the impact of 10 anti-cancer drugs on their newly developed Black breast cancer cell lines. The study demonstrates promising results, particularly with docetaxel and paclitaxel, which "exhibit a selective effect" on the cancer cells.

"We are seeing some interesting information," Dr. Badal said, highlighting the study's potential to improve treatment efficacy. She was delivering the fourth UWI Mona/VM Group Distinguished Lecture Series at the Kenneth Standard Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Medical Sciences, on March 21, 2024. The theme of the lecture was: "Leaving No Cell Behind: Levelling the Playing Field for Black People with Cancer."

This research not only holds promise for improved treatment outcomes but also addresses a critical gap in cancer research. Studies show that Black populations are disproportionately affected by breast cancer, and targeted therapies have often been developed without sufficient data on their effectiveness in these populations.

The acceptance of the abstract from The UWI team for presentation at the AACR's Annual Conference therefore underscores the significance of the work. The conference is a premier gathering of global oncology experts, and inclusion reflects the study's potential to make a substantial impact on the field.

"What Simone and her team have been doing is a clear manifestation of the tremendous value that a high quality institution like The UWI will bring to national, regional and global developments," Professor Densil Williams, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal, The UWI Mona, said in his opening remarks at the Distinguished Lecture Series.

"This is a big deal," Mr. Courtney Campbell, President & Chief Executive Officer, VM Group gushed. "I am sure that all of us who are in any way connected with The UWI and, indeed, all Caribbean people can be proud of the fact that this groundbreaking research that has great prospects for reducing health inequity is being led by a UWI scientist and her anti-cancer research Jamaica team," he added. 

The UWI Mona/ VM Group Distinguished Lecture Series, launched in 2023, aims to raise awareness and foster discussions on critical issues of national, regional, and global importance. And Dr. Badal's groundbreaking research exemplifies this commitment to advancing healthcare and promoting equity in health outcomes.