Yale Cancer Center scientist and physician Lajos Pusztai, M.D., has been named to a group of breast cancer leaders from around the world advising Susan G. Komen on the organization’s multiple endeavors. Pusztai, professor of medicine (medical oncology); chief of breast medical oncology; and co-director of Yale Cancer Center’s genetics, genomics and epigenetics program, is one of just 44 breast cancer experts to receive the honor since 2010.
Komen Scholars are expected to conduct high quality, original research that answers critical questions to advance the field, and to publish high-impact manuscripts. A leadership grant of $200,000 a year enables Scholars to perform research in a flexible and sustained manner. Pusztai said he will use the funds to map out the immune microenvironment of breast cancer and use the information to design the next generation of immunotherapy trials in breast cancer.
“The support from Yale Cancer Center to the breast medical oncology section has enabled us to sustain a high level of research productivity (published research), which is a prerequisite for the invitation into the Scholars Program,” Pusztai said. “Yale’s outstanding background in basic immunology research and the world class immune profiling facilities of Yale Cancer Center will enable us make rapid progress in our breast cancer immunotherapy studies.”
In addition, the Scholars are expected to contribute in a variety of ways to help Komen accomplish its mission, particularly in connection with Komen’s research and scientific programs and other programs related to education, advocacy, community health, and global outreach.