A Student's Guide to Summer Breast Cancer Research
Explore Research OpportunitiesWhen Sara Tolaney, MD, MPH, presented potentially practice-changing clinical trial results at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, she represented the culmination of years of scientific inquiry that likely began with experiences not unlike those available to undergraduates today. Each summer, hundreds of college students enter laboratories across the country to contribute to the ongoing fight against breast cancer, working alongside seasoned scientists at the forefront of discovery.
Summer research programs offer more than just a line on a resume—they represent the foundational experiences where future cancer researchers first glimpse their potential to change patient outcomes.
The landscape of breast cancer research is evolving at an extraordinary pace, with recent breakthroughs in targeted therapies, liquid biopsies, and immunotherapy reshaping treatment paradigms. For students curious about biomedical science, summer undergraduate research programs provide an unparalleled opportunity to engage with these developments directly while gaining hands-on laboratory experience.
Summer research programs in cancer science typically span 8-10 weeks during the summer break, providing intensive, hands-on laboratory experience under the guidance of established scientific mentors. These programs often include a combination of direct research involvement, professional development workshops, scientific seminars, and final presentation opportunities where students showcase their work.
Gain practical laboratory skills and techniques
Work closely with experienced researchers
Connect with peers and professionals in the field
| Program Name | Institution | Duration | Research Focus | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basser Summer Scholars | University of Pennsylvania | 8 weeks | Cancer genetics, DNA repair, ovarian cancer | Faculty mentoring, career exposure, final presentation 1 |
| Summer Program in Cancer Research (SPCR) | MD Anderson Cancer Center | 10 weeks | Cancer genetics, epigenetics, molecular carcinogenesis | Hypothesis-driven research, weekly seminar series, final symposium 2 |
| Summer Cancer Research Institute | Fox Chase Cancer Center/Temple University | 8 weeks | Basic cancer research, population-based research | Hands-on research, mentorship, science communication training 9 |
| Cancer Research Interns (CRI) | National Cancer Institute | Varies | Various biomedical research areas | Designed for those with limited prior research experience |
| ACC-PASS Program | Abramson Cancer Center | 8-10 weeks | Cancer-related research | Weekly enrichment activities, individualized mentoring 1 |
Modern breast cancer research recognizes that "breast cancer" is not a single disease but rather a collection of distinct biological entities with different molecular features, treatment responses, and clinical outcomes.
These cancers have extra copies of the HER2 gene and high levels of the HER2 protein on cancer cell surfaces, leading to more aggressive growth. Approximately 15-20% of breast cancers are HER2-positive.
These cancers have receptors for estrogen (ER) and/or progesterone (PR), allowing their growth to be fueled by these hormones. This represents the most common subtype, occurring in about 70-80% of breast cancers.
These cancers lack HER2, ER, and PR receptors, making them unresponsive to targeted therapies designed for these markers. They represent about 10-15% of breast cancers and are often more aggressive.
This molecular classification enables precision medicine approaches where treatments are tailored to the specific biological characteristics of each patient's cancer.
The 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting showcased several landmark studies that are reshaping breast cancer treatment:
Demonstrated a dramatic improvement in progression-free survival for patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. The study found that the drug trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) plus pertuzumab reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 44% compared to standard therapy 4 .
Explored a novel approach to treatment resistance in HR-positive breast cancer. Researchers used circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis to detect emerging ESR1 mutations and showed that switching to the experimental drug camizestrant at the first sign of resistance significantly prolonged progression-free survival 3 4 .
This approach involves detecting fragments of tumor DNA in blood samples, creating a "liquid biopsy" that can reveal genetic changes in cancers without invasive procedures. Recent studies have confirmed that ctDNA monitoring can predict treatment response and disease recurrence 3 4 .
These "smart weapons" consist of antibodies that recognize specific cancer cells linked to potent chemotherapy drugs. The antibody delivers the toxic payload directly to cancer cells, potentially increasing effectiveness while reducing damage to healthy tissues 4 .
Harnessing the body's immune system to fight cancer has shown promise in certain breast cancer subtypes, particularly in combination with other treatments to improve response rates and durability.
At the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, scientist Deborah Kelly and her team developed an innovative experimental approach to study the BRCA1 protein in a near-native environment. Mutations in the BRCA1 gene account for approximately 25% of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers 5 .
The researchers created a microchip-based toolkit specifically designed to capture and visualize BRCA1 protein complexes directly from human breast cancer cells.
"This is an important step forward in understanding how common mutations in BRCA1 can impair critical cellular functions that can lead to breast cancer" - Amy H. Bouton, University of Virginia 5
The methodology provides unprecedented views of BRCA1 complexes in action, shedding light on how mutations disrupt critical interactions that normally prevent cancer development.
| Toolkit Component | Function | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Antibody-coated microchips | Specifically recruit and tether BRCA1 protein assemblies | Allows selective capture of protein complexes |
| Cryo-electron microscopy | High-resolution imaging of captured proteins | Reveals 3D structure and interactions |
| Human-derived cancer cells | Source of BRCA1 protein complexes | Provides biologically relevant material |
| Specialized preparation protocols | Preserve protein complexes in functional states | Maintains biological accuracy |
| Finding | Scientific Importance | Potential Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Visualization of BRCA1 complexes | First demonstration in patient-derived cells | Foundation for studying mutation effects |
| Reduced processing time | Enables rapid analysis of interactions | Accelerates research discovery |
| Observation of protein interactions | Reveals how BRCA1 works with other molecules | Identifies therapeutic targets |
| Technology applicable broadly | Method extends beyond BRCA1 | Broad impact across research |
Cancer research laboratories utilize specialized reagents and materials to investigate biological processes and test potential therapies.
| Research Reagent | Function in Breast Cancer Research |
|---|---|
| Antibodies | Detect specific proteins like HER2, ER, PR; used for diagnostics and imaging |
| Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) standards | Validate liquid biopsy tests for monitoring treatment resistance |
| Cell culture models | Grow breast cancer cells in laboratory settings for experimentation |
| Protein assay kits | Quantify and analyze proteins involved in cancer signaling pathways |
| Gene editing tools (CRISPR) | Modify genes to study their function in cancer development |
| Small molecule inhibitors | Block specific cancer-driving pathways for therapeutic research |
| Immunofluorescence reagents | Visualize protein localization and interactions within cells |
For undergraduate students interested in pursuing summer research experiences, several strategies can enhance your chances of securing a position:
Most summer program applications open in November or December with deadlines typically in January or February. Planning ahead allows time to prepare strong application materials. For instance, MD Anderson's Summer Program in Cancer Research accepts applications from November 17 through January 14 for the following summer 2 .
Different programs emphasize various aspects of cancer research. Some focus on basic science questions about cancer mechanisms, while others emphasize translational research or clinical applications. Investigate each program's specific focus to find good matches for your interests.
Most programs require a combination of resume/CV, academic transcripts, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. The statement of purpose is particularly important for programs like MD Anderson's, which specifically asks applicants to "describe your interest in pursuing an academic and/or professional career in cancer research" 2 .
Many programs specifically encourage applications from students with limited prior research experience or from groups underrepresented in biomedical science. For example, Penn's Gastroenterology Undergraduate Student Scholars Program "strongly encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented minorities" 1 .
Program applications open
Application deadlines
Acceptance notifications
Summer programs run
The landscape of breast cancer research is transforming at an unprecedented pace, driven by advances in molecular profiling, targeted therapies, and innovative research methodologies. The recent clinical trial results presented at ASCO 2025—from the practice-changing DESTINY-Breast09 data to the clever resistance-monitoring approach of SERENA-6—demonstrate how basic scientific discoveries translate into tangible improvements in patient care 3 4 .
For undergraduate students considering summer research experiences, there has never been a more exciting time to enter the field of breast cancer research. These programs offer more than technical skills—they provide a front-row seat to scientific discovery and an opportunity to contribute to work that directly impacts patient lives.
The path from undergraduate researcher to independent scientist typically extends through graduate studies (PhD), medical school (MD), or combined programs (MD-PhD), followed by specialized postdoctoral training. Yet the journey often begins with that first summer experience—the moment a student peers into a microscope and recognizes not just cells, but possibilities.
Explore summer undergraduate research programs and take the first step toward contributing to the fight against breast cancer.
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