DonateOur research prioritises the needs of the secondary breast cancer community.
With the support of our community, we're able to fund research that contributes to advancing an increased quality of life for patients. We work with oncologists, health researchers and scientists based in the UK who undertake world-class research into addressing areas of unmet need in secondary breast cancer. Information on our current research is below.
HER2-CNS SURVEILLANCE Study
Professor Carlo Palmieri, University of Liverpool, and Dr Sara Meade, University Hospitals Birmingham
In 2023 Make 2nds Count awarded our largest research grant to date, committing £219,560 across 3 years, to co-fund a new study in partnership with Breast Cancer Ireland. The HER2-CNS SURVEILLANCE study is taking place across the UK & Ireland, investigating screening secondary breast cancer patients for brain metastases before they become symptomatic. Recruitment of patients will start in 2024.
Patients with HER2-positive secondary breast cancer are at much higher risk of the disease spreading to the brain but there is currently no regular screening regime to identify any metastases before symptoms show. The HER2-CNS SURVEILLANCE study aims to investigate the feasibility of recruiting HER2-positive secondary breast cancer patients with no signs of brain metastases, conducting an initial MRI brain scan for brain metastases detection and then randomising patients into two groups: one to receive six-monthly MRI brain scans for a year and another who will not receive the additional scans – the current standard.
The PRIMROSE Studies
Professor Carlo Palmieri, University of Liverpool
Make 2nds Count is co-funding the analysis of samples collected in the PRIMROSE Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) study which is conducting research into breast cancer that as spread to the brain, known as brain metastases or brain mets. CSF is a colourless, watery fluid that flows in and around the brain and spinal cord. This study aims to collect CSF from secondary breast cancer patients with brain metastases to better understand this disease.
The CSF will be analysed with modern genomic techniques to investigate DNA that has been shed by the brain metastases to identify the DNA mutations present. This information will contribute to research that will help identify what drugs may work best to treat brain metastases.
The PRIMROSE CSF study sits alongside the PRIMROSE Tissue study, which utilises cancer samples previously collected from routine biopsies. Both the PRIMROSE CSF and PRIMROSE Tissue studies are recruiting patients now. You can read more about this research here.
The PRIMROSE CSF study is funded by Daiichi Sankyo GmBH Europe, North West Cancer Research and Make 2nds Count.