Breast cancer by age: Study reveals early mutations that predict patient outcomes

A study led by Svasti Haricharan, Ph.D., has found that in young women, certain genetic mutations are associated with treatment-resistant breast cancer. These mutations are not linked to this type of breast cancer in older women.

“These findings emphasize why it is important to study cancer in the context of the life history of the patient,” says Haricharan. “Too often, cancer research is focused narrowly on cells in a petri dish, forgetting the whole, complex host system in which these cells transform and grow.”

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This sugar kills honeybees—it could also help fight cancer

New research has shed light on the anti-cancer properties of mannose, a sugar that is important in human metabolism,

“It’s been known for more than a century that mannose is lethal to honeybees because they can’t process it like humans do—it’s known as ‘honeybee syndrome,’” says Hudson Freeze, Ph.D.

“We wanted to see if there is any relationship between honeybee syndrome and the anti-cancer properties of mannose, which could lead to an entirely new approach to combat cancer.” 

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A two-for-one approach to boost melanoma immunotherapy

One protein could help scientists fight treatment-resistant melanoma from all directions.

The identification of a protein that helps melanoma tumors evade the immune system—called NR2F6—was found not only in tumor cells, but also in the surrounding noncancerous cells. 

“Discovering drugs that can target this protein is expected to offer a new way to treat melanomas, and possibly other tumors that would otherwise resist immunotherapy,” says Hyungsoo Kim, Ph.D.

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New genes implicated in deadly heart defect

Between 20% to 60% of babies with hypoplastic left heart syndrome survive their first year of life.

“Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is driven by many genetic and environmental factors, but the more we can shed light on these factors, the better chance we have of finding new ways to prevent and treat the disease,” says Rolf Bodmer, Ph.D.

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Alessandra Sacco named new dean of Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

“I am deeply honored and delighted to serve as dean for our graduate program,” says Sacco. “I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Salvesen, who developed the graduate program and made it the great success it is today.”

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José Luis Millán joins international initiative to study calcification in aging

Professor José Luis Millán, Ph.D., has joined a five-year, $13 million program that will study misplaced calcification in the eyes and brains of patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration and Alzheimer's disease.

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San Diego Pride week in July. We asked: Why are LGBTQ+ people the “invisible minority” in STEM?

To learn more about the struggles of LGBTQ+ people in the scientific community, we spoke to postdoctoral associate Luca Caputo, Ph.D.

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Fishman Fund Ceremony and Reception

September 20, 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

The Fishman Fund Awards are given to exceptional postdoctoral scholars to support their research and help them develop into scientific leaders. Join us as we present our awards to this year's remarkable recipients.

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Special Gala

October 21, 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Join honorary co-chairs Roberta and Malin Burnham for Sanford Burnham Prebys' 2023 Gala Celebrating a Future Filled with Discoveries and Cures, honoring T. Denny Sanford.

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You believe in discovery– and progress

...and you make it happen!

More people than ever are surviving cancer. Diseases that used to be considered death sentences have been eradicated. Every day, new treatments and new cures are being discovered...

It’s all because people like you said YES to discovery.

You see “incurable” diseases and “unsolvable” health problems...and you say, “I believe we can change that!”

The research you’re reading about in this newsletter begins with forward-looking, optimistic people like you. Your giving plants the seeds that grow into change, cures and a better world for everyone.

There’s still a long way to go. Problems to solve. Diseases to conquer.

But we’re making progress. And you help make it happen!

Please think about donating today to push forward transformational research here at Sanford Burnham Prebys.

Thank you for making progress possible!

Christine Sanchez Dittmer

Chief Development Officer

Do you have any questions about your giving? Please call me directly at: (714) 244-6250