A new €5 million research programme focused on advanced breast cancer has been announced today by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD, aiming to improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with this challenging form of breast cancer.

The PRISM (Precision Oncology Research Initiative for Metastatic Breast Cancer) programme will be led by the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, with Professor Leonie Young, Scientific Director of the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, serving as the Programme Director and Dr Damir Vareslija as Co-Director.

This pioneering four-year initiative, funded by Breast Cancer Ireland, Carrick Therapeutics, and the Research Ireland Strategic Partnership Programme, represents a significant advancement in the fight against advanced breast cancer. Key collaborators include University College Dublin, University College Cork, the University of Galway and Cancer Trials Ireland.

In Ireland, more than 3,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year, many of which progress to metastatic disease, a form that is difficult to treat. PRISM brings together a team of researchers and experts to introduce the first national longitudinal multi-omic study for advanced breast cancer patients, using comprehensive genomic profiling to better understand and target the mechanisms of breast cancer spread (metastasis) and consequently, develop new, effective treatments.

Minister O’Donovan said: “I am delighted to announce this funding for PRISM, which brings together experts from the academic, pharmaceutical and charitable sectors over the next four years.

“Partnership is so often a critical factor in determining the success of research endeavours. I am confident that this breast cancer research collaboration will enhance understanding and treatment of this disease.”

Effective treatment 

Breast cancer that spreads to other organs is particularly hard to treat and has very poor survival rates. This research programme brings together experts from universities, a pharmaceutical company and a national cancer charity to find innovative ways to treat these patients.

Ash Bahl, CSO of Carrick Therapeutics, said: “Carrick Therapeutics is pleased to partner on the PRISM project. By pooling our expertise in research that aligns with our drug development strategy, we are very optimistic that this project will produce successful results.”

Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland, commented: “Breast Cancer Ireland is proud to co-fund the PRISM project. By supporting this innovative research, we aim to bring hope to patients and their families by working towards the discovery of newer, more effective targeted drug treatments for advanced breast cancer.”

New technologies

Researchers involved in PRISM will collect and analyse cancer samples from patients across Ireland to discover new drug targets and develop effective treatments. The goal is to change outcomes for patients with metastatic breast cancer by providing more effective treatment options.

“Through this strategic partnership, our researchers are embarking on a journey that aligns with RCSI’s aim to find innovative solutions that translate into new technologies for the benefit of patient health,” said Professor Fergal O’Brien, Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation at RCSI.

Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO, Research Ireland, said: “Research Ireland are proud to support PRISM through our Strategic Partnership Programme. By combining the expertise of academia, industry, and patient advocacy groups, the PRISM programme is opening the door to the prospect of more treatment options for patients with advanced breast cancer.”