Innovative Research Grants Awarded to Columbia Physicians to Improve Breast Cancer Care

Strategic Insights -

Columbia physicians Claire Sathe and Alissa Michel have been awarded grants from the Susan G. Komen Foundation to support their innovative research projects focused on improving breast cancer screening, care, and survivorship. Sathe, a new member of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center and faculty of the division of hematology/oncology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, received a Career Catalyst Research Grant to study the employment outcomes of patients with metastatic breast cancer. Michel, also a new member of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center and faculty of the division of hematology/oncology, was awarded a Career Transition Award to develop decision-support tools for women at high risk of breast cancer.

Key Takeaways:

  • Claire Sathe, MD, JD, received a $450,000 grant over three years to study the employment outcomes of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and identify key points of disruption and potential interventions to help patients maintain employment and financial stability.
  • Alissa Michel, MD, was awarded a $650,000 grant over five years to develop decision-support tools to empower women at high risk for breast cancer to make informed screening choices and ensure access to the enhanced screening they need.
  • The Komen Foundation recently announced $10.8 million in new research grants to address the most pressing challenges faced by breast cancer patients, including metastatic disease, health inequities, and the need for more precise and personalized strategies for care.
  • About one in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and while advances in screening and treatment have improved survival, disparities in screening, treatment, and follow-up care remain.
  • The new Komen grants aim to make progress in these areas, which have lagged behind, and prioritize addressing the challenges faced by breast cancer patients.
  • The researchers credited their mentors, including Katherine Crew and Meghna Trivedi, for their guidance and support in pursuing their research goals.

Statistics:

  • $10.8 million: The amount of new research grants announced by the Komen Foundation to address pressing challenges in breast cancer care.
  • $450,000: The amount of grant awarded to Claire Sathe, MD, JD, over three years to study the employment outcomes of patients with metastatic breast cancer.
  • $650,000: The amount of grant awarded to Alissa Michel, MD, over five years to develop decision-support tools for women at high risk for breast cancer.
  • 1 in 8: The number of women in the U.S. who will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Sources:

  • "Komen Grants to Columbia Physicians Aim to Improve Breast Cancer Care" (no date)
  • "Susan G. Komen Awards $10.8 Million in New Research Grants" (no date)
  • "Claire Sathe, MD, JD, and Alissa Michel, MD, Receive Komen Grants for Breast Cancer Research" (no date)