Professor Cleola Anderiesz

Why is it so important to focus on metastasis in cancer research?

Once the cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body, it becomes incurable and life-limiting. In Australia, nine people lose their lives to breast cancer each day.

Despite decades of progress, metastatic breast cancer remains one of the most devastating realities for people diagnosed with breast cancer. At the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), our vision is Zero Deaths from breast cancer. This is why our five-year is focused on preventing and detecting breast cancer early, stopping recurrence, and improving how we treat hard-to-treat and metastatic breast cancer. By investing in this area, we aim to unlock new treatments, improve survival, reduce deaths, and bring hope to those diagnosed with breast cancer and living with metastatic breast cancer.​

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What are the current challenges and opportunities in cancer research?

Cancer research today faces a dual reality: immense complexity and unprecedented opportunity.

On one hand, there are still many unanswered questions - particularly around hard-to-treat and metastatic breast cancer. These challenges demand long-term, collaborative research efforts, sustained funding, and innovative thinking to unlock new treatments and ultimately save lives.

On the other hand, we are in a time of extraordinary scientific potential. Advances in genomics, immunotherapy, AI, and precision medicine are opening new frontiers in how we understand, detect, and treat cancer.

At NBCF, we’re seizing a pivotal moment in cancer research. Through our Pink Horizon Research Strategy, we’re enabling large-scale, high-impact collaborations while also supporting innovative, high-risk, high-reward projects alongside steady, foundational research grants. This balanced and strategic approach allows us to harness emerging scientific opportunities and breakthroughs - driving meaningful improvements in breast cancer outcomes. By investing boldly and with focus, we’re turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s life-saving solutions

 

How is NBCF supporting breast cancer metastasis research? 

At NBCF, we are committed to supporting metastatic breast cancer research through our Pink Horizon Research Strategy.

Recently, NBCF has made a landmark $25 million investment – the largest in its history – awarding its first CRA Grant to an exceptional local and international collaboration led by Associate Professor Christine Chaffer at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.
The Garvan Institute will drive a research program called ‘AllClear’ focused on stopping breast cancer recurrence, with the long-term goal to halve deaths from breast cancer.

The AllClear research program focuses on breast cancer cells that have already spread to the bone at the time of diagnosis. These disseminated tumour cells often enter a dormant state, where they become ‘seeds’ of relapse – undetectable by current methods, hidden from the immune system, and capable of reawakening years or even decades later.  If and when these cells reawaken, they can initiate the development of metastatic breast cancer. By intervening at this critical stage, before dormant cancer cells reawaken, AllClear has the potential to prevent recurrence and save lives.

If successful, this groundbreaking research could not only halve deaths from breast cancer, but it could also unlock insights that may transform outcomes across other cancer types as well.  

 

What is your advice for Early Career Researchers working in metastasis research?

Engage and Collaborate Widely

Actively participate in the research community—attend conferences, seek mentorship, and collaborate across disciplines. Metastasis spans multiple systems, so working with clinicians, bioinformaticians, and other researchers will enrich your perspective and strengthen your work.

Stay Curious and Resilient
Progress can be slow and setbacks are common. Stay curious, ask bold questions, and view challenges as part of the learning process.

Involve Consumers Early

Engage with people affected by metastatic breast cancer to inform your research priorities and design. Their lived experience can help ensure your work is relevant, meaningful, and ultimately more impactful.

Think Translationally
Always consider how your research could impact patient outcomes. Understanding clinical relevance will help guide meaningful questions and applications.

Explore Career Opportunities Proactively

Consider fellowships, and perhaps look beyond the lab at industry roles, policy work, and interdisciplinary projects. Building a diverse portfolio of experiences will help you shape a career path that aligns with both your interests and the evolving landscape of cancer research.

At NBCF, we have two fellowships, The Mavis Robertson Fellowship and The Elaine Henry Fellowship:

• The Elaine Henry Fellowship was established in 2020 and is awarded to a researcher rising star who demonstrates great potential to be a future leader in breast cancer research. It pays tribute to Elaine Henry OAM who was Chair of our Board for nine years and an integral member since our founding. The fellowship provides $20,000 in additional funding for an NBCF-funded project.

• The Mavis Robertson Fellowship was established in 2011 and is awarded to a female applicant considered by NBCF to exhibit the greatest promise as a leader in breast cancer research. The Fellowship provides $10,000 in additional funding for an NBCF-funded project and is proudly supported by the Mother’s Day Classic Foundation.​​​​​​​​