BECA

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Omics Approaches to improve the diagnosis, management and treatment of breast cancer

• IRAS ID

  306872

• Contact name

  Luis A.J. Mur

• Contact email

  lum@aber.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Aberystwyth University

• Duration of Study in the UK

  10 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  There are approximately 55,000 new cases of breast cancer (BC) diagnosed in the UK every year. Five year survival rates in women with BC show an unusual pattern, survival is generally lower in women under 50, rising to 92% in women in their 60s, before falling again in the over 80s. The higher survival rate is linked to the success of the mammogram screening program, carried out in the UK between the ages of 50 and 70. However, the programme is not without problems, with an overdiagnosis rate of up to 10%, and hesitancy amongst some women to attend appointments.
  First line treatment for BC is often surgery, if a mastectomy is required a significant number of women opt for reconstruction. Following breast implant reconstruction and augmentation surgery, fibrotic tissue will form around the implant creating a capsule of tissue. This protective capsule is usually not noticeable, soft and helps to hold the implant in place. However, in some women the capsule becomes dense and hard, termed capsular contracture (CC) the condition causes distortion and pain. Evidence suggests that one reason for CC is the formation of microbial biofilms on the breast implants promoting a chronic inflammatory response.
  Through a collaboration between Aberystwyth University and the BCUHB Maelor Academic Unit, the aim of this study is to identify biological indicators known as biomarkers using novel methods grouped under the term ‘OMICs’. The aim is 3 fold; firstly, to identify biological markers in women which would indicate a more aggressive immunological response to breast implants, resulting in capsular contracture. Secondly, identification of biological markers that could reliably predict the presence of biofilm formation. Thirdly, the identification of novel biomarkers in non-invasive samples such as blood and urine, that could add further robustness to the current screening methods for breast cancer.
  

• REC name

  South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  21/SC/0411

• Date of REC Opinion

  4 Feb 2022

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion