Research is the key to stopping breast cancer in its tracks. This year, our scientists have made remarkable progress, uncovering findings that could change how we prevent, detect and treat breast cancer.
In this section
2025 has been another hugely successful year, with a wide range of exciting breast cancer research. In this article, we'll take a look at some of our favourite breakthroughs of the last year and what they mean for people affected by the disease.
A more targeted treatment for triple negative breast cancer
In February, our researchers at the University of Liverpool started the year strong, uncovering a promising new way to target some difficult-to-treat cancers.
Professor Judy Coulson and her team identified that targeting a protein called OTUD6B could be key to stopping breast cancer cells from growing and forming tumours. The team hope that this discovery could ultimately help guide future clinical trials.
This work brings hope for people with triple negative breast cancer, which can be more aggressive and has limited targeted treatment options.
Hidden weaknesses revealed in some tumours
In May, our researchers at the Toby Robins Breast Cancer Now Research Centre at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, uncovered a weakness known as RBness that was hiding in plain sight.
Dr Syed Haider and Professor Chris Lord showed that some breast cancers behaved as if they had faults in a gene called RB1, even when standard tests suggested the gene was working normally. These tumours responded well to chemotherapy but had lower responses to CDK4/6 inhibitors.
Recognising this so-called ‘RBness’ could lead to smarter treatment decisions in the future. And drugs already being developed for RB1 altered cancers may also benefit people whose tumours show RBness.
Highlighting inequalities in cancer care
Later in the same month, our scientists at Queen Mary University of London revealed inequalities in breast cancer outcomes for women of African and South Asian ancestry.
Professor Claude Chelala and her team analysed genetic and clinical data from more than 7,000 women with breast cancer of African, South Asian or European ancestry. They found differences in the age at diagnosis, outcomes and the biological make up of cancers.
The study highlights the underrepresentation of people of non-European ancestry in cancer studies. And it shows why research like this is needed, so that we can break down barriers to seeking care and taking part in research.
Liquid biopsies help tailor treatment sooner
Our scientists have been pioneering research into ultra-sensitive blood tests called liquid biopsies for over a decade. This year, two major studies highlighted their growing potential to guide treatment for people living with metastatic breast cancer.
These blood tests analyse small amounts of tumour DNA in the blood, called circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA). In June, the global SERENA-6 trial, co-led by Professor Nick Turner, a group leader at the Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre at the Institute of Cancer Research London, showed that using these blood tests to detect emerging resistance to treatment can guide early intervention – months before tumours have a chance to grow.
And towards the end of the year, Professor Nick Turner was again in the headlines, this time presenting new research at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Nick’s team found that their newly developed blood test was able to track how the breast cancer subtype in metastatic breast cancers can change over time. This non-invasive test means people living with metastatic breast cancer could be matched to the correct treatments earlier and improve treatment options for some individuals.
Drug already available on the NHS shows promise in prevention
In November, our researchers found that ulipristal acetate, a drug already available on the NHS, may offer a way to reduce breast cancer risk in pre-menopausal women with a strong family history of the disease.
In this study, women aged 34 to 44 took ulipristal acetate for 12 weeks. Imaging and tissue analysis showed that their breast tissue became less dense and softer - changes that make the environment less favourable for cancer to develop.
And although the research is early stage, the team hope that this research could lead to more options for women at high risk in the future.
Looking ahead
This year’s discoveries show the incredible strides researchers are making to transform the future of breast cancer. Every breakthrough helps us understand the disease better and brings us closer to new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat it.
With continued support, we will keep driving forward the research that gives hope to everyone affected by breast cancer.
Here's to 2025
It’s been a great year here at Breast Cancer Now – one full of progress, big decisions and lots of hope and determination as we look towards a new chapter. And with your support, we can continue to drive breast cancer research forward.