Breast Cancer Coalition Awards the Pamela Delp Polashenski M.D. Breast Cancer Research Trainee Grant ($25,000) to Allison Ryan, PhD Candidate from the University of Rochester
The Breast Cancer Coalition is pleased to award Allison Ryan, PhD candidate at the University of Rochester, the Pamela Delp Polashenski M.D. Breast Cancer Research Trainee Grant in the amount of $25,000. Ryan’s research proposal examines new strategies to improve cancer immunotherapy.
"Cancer treatment in our region benefits greatly from the top-tier research conducted at local institutions," says Christina Thompson, Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Coalition. "The Coalition is honored to support researchers dedicated to eradicating breast cancer."
Since 2003, the Coalition has annually awarded grants to fund innovative projects with the potential to yield significant medical breakthroughs in the cause and prevention of breast cancer, prevention of metastasis, and cure. With this latest award, the Coalition has provided $1,126,125 in funding to researchers in Central and Western New York. Grant recipients are selected through a competitive application and review process involving regional scientists, clinicians, and breast cancer survivor-advocates.
Ryan’s research proposal is entitled “Engineering CAR T Cells to Eliminate HER2+ Breast Cancer.” CAR T (chimeric antigen receptor) cell immunotherapies have not been very effective against breast cancer. CAR T immunotherapy works by reprogramming a patient’s own immune T cells to recognize and kill cancer cells.
The purpose of this research project is to improve the efficacy of CAR T therapy for breast cancer. The aims are to investigate specific receptors in CAR T cells and enhance the homing to HER2+ and triple negative breast cancers to increase the patient’s survival.
Ryan has a personal connection to breast cancer. She witnessed her mom’s close friend battle with this malignancy. Her mom’s friend survived; however, this friend’s sisters died of the disease. Ryan felt powerless and decided to contribute to the fight against breast cancer.
Ryan has a degree in neuroscience from Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts. After her graduation, she joined Abbvie Bioresearch Center, a pharmaceutical company, where she was able to gain more experience in research. Her work at Abbvie inspired her to deepen her knowledge in cancer biology and immunology. In 2021, she began her PhD studies in Immunology and Microbiology with a concentration in Cancer Biology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine.
About the Research Grant
Annually, the Pamela Delp Polashenski M.D. Breast Cancer Research Trainee Grant is offered to pre- and post-doctoral trainees/fellows. This grant is awarded with the potential to yield significant medical breakthroughs in the cause and prevention of breast cancer, prevention of metastatic progression, and cure.
Dr. Polashenski was first diagnosed with breast cancer at age 47 and quickly became involved with the Breast Cancer Coalition. A beloved wife, mother, and physician, she served on the Coalition’s Board of Directors and Research Advisory Board, and was committed to all efforts of the Coalition’s Advocacy Committee. Upon learning that her breast cancer had metastasized, Pam joined Common Ground, the networking group for those living with metastatic breast and/or gynecologic cancer. She leaves a lasting legacy in every aspect of the Coalition’s mission.
About the Breast Cancer Coalition
The Breast Cancer Coalition is an independent, grassroots, community-based organization serving those with breast and/or gynecologic cancer in Central and Western New York. We are dedicated to eradicating breast cancer through research and advocacy, while fostering community among those affected by either breast and/or gynecologic cancer through support and education.
The Coalition provides programs and services free of charge to breast or gynecologic cancer survivors in 27 counties in Central and Western New York. Our mission is to cultivate community among those touched by breast or gynecologic cancer; to empower informed decision-making through education, support, and advocacy; and to advance research in our region with the goal of eradicating breast cancer.
The Coalition is the only full-scope, independently operated nonprofit organization focused specifically on breast and gynecologic cancers in all of Upstate New York.