Your Gateway to Cutting-Edge Cancer Science
Explore OpportunitiesImagine spending your summer not just learning about scientific breakthroughs, but actively contributing to them.
For undergraduate students with a passion for biomedical research, summer fellowships in breast cancer research offer exactly this opportunity—a chance to work alongside leading scientists in world-class laboratories while helping advance one of the most critical fields in modern medicine.
Estimated new breast cancer cases in the US in 2025 9
Research institutions offering summer fellowships
Weeks typical fellowship duration
Breast cancer affects millions worldwide, with the American Cancer Society estimating nearly 2 million new cases in the United States alone in 2025 9 . Against this backdrop, the next generation of researchers is urgently needed to drive progress. These intensive summer programs provide more than just a line on your CV; they offer hands-on experience with revolutionary technologies, from artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics to targeted therapies that are reshaping patient care.
Breast cancer research has evolved far beyond conventional chemotherapy, entering an era of precision medicine where treatments are tailored to the unique molecular characteristics of each patient's tumor.
The foundation of modern treatment classification based on hormone receptors and HER2 status.
Revolutionary therapies like antibody-drug conjugates and oral SERDs are reshaping care.
Researchers now classify breast cancers into distinct subtypes based on the presence or absence of three key receptors: estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). This classification directly informs treatment strategies:
| Subtype | Key Characteristics | Current Research Focus | Prevalence |
|---|---|---|---|
| HR+/HER2- | Hormone-driven; most common | Overcoming endocrine resistance; new SERDs |
|
| HER2-positive | HER2 protein overexpression | Novel antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) |
|
| Triple-negative | Lacks ER, PR, HER2 | Immunotherapy combinations; new targets |
|
| HER2-low | Low HER2 expression | Expanding ADC applications |
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The first half of 2025 alone witnessed remarkable breakthroughs that are reshaping breast cancer care. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represent a particularly promising class of targeted therapeutics that function like "smart missiles"—delivering potent chemotherapy directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue 9 .
(datopotamab deruxtecan) received approval for HR+/HER2- breast cancer 7 .
(trastuzumab deruxtecan) now benefits patients with HER2-low and HER2-ultralow metastatic disease 7 .
Simultaneously, research into oral Selective Estrogen Receptor Degraders (SERDs) has accelerated, with drugs like camizestrant and vepdegestrant showing significant promise, especially for tumors with ESR1 mutations that confer resistance to standard hormone therapies 2 7 .
One of the most transformative technologies in modern oncology is liquid biopsy, which detects circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in blood samples. This approach allows researchers and clinicians to monitor treatment response, identify emerging resistance mutations, and detect minimal residual disease with a simple blood draw rather than invasive tissue biopsies 3 .
The DARE trial presented at ASCO 2025 demonstrated that 99% of patients who remained ctDNA-negative after treatment achieved relapse-free survival at 27.4 months, highlighting its powerful prognostic value 3 .
The SERENA-6 trial represents a paradigm shift in how we approach treatment resistance in breast cancer, elegantly combining liquid biopsy technology with a targeted therapeutic intervention.
This phase III study addressed a critical challenge in managing HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer: the development of ESR1 mutations during aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy, which drive resistance and disease progression 2 .
The trial enrolled 1,168 patients with HR+/HER2- locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer who were receiving first-line or second-line aromatase inhibitor therapy 2 .
Researchers regularly analyzed blood samples from participants using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis to detect emerging ESR1 mutations during ongoing AI treatment 2 3 .
When rising ESR1 mutations were detected via liquid biopsy—before clinical evidence of progression on standard scans—patients were randomized into two groups:
The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by blinded independent central review, with secondary endpoints including objective response rate (ORR) and clinical benefit rate (CBR) 2 .
Phase: III
Patients: 1,168
Intervention: Camizestrant vs. continued AI
Primary Endpoint: Progression-free survival
Key Finding: 56% reduction in progression risk
The SERENA-6 trial yielded compelling results that are already reshaping clinical practice. Patients who switched to camizestrant upon detection of ESR1 mutations achieved a median progression-free survival of 16.0 months, compared to just 9.2 months in those who continued standard AI therapy 2 . This represented a striking 56% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death 2 .
| Outcome Measure | Camizestrant Group | Continued AI Therapy Group | Statistical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median PFS | 16.0 months | 9.2 months | HR=0.56; P<0.00001 |
| Objective Response Rate | 16.3% | 7.2% | Not reported |
| Clinical Benefit Rate | 61.8% | 47.6% | Not reported |
The SERENA-6 trial represents a fundamental shift from reactive to proactive cancer care. By using liquid biopsy to identify resistance mechanisms before clinical progression becomes evident, clinicians can now intervene earlier with more effective targeted therapies. This approach significantly delays disease progression and potentially extends survival while maintaining quality of life.
For undergraduate researchers, this trial exemplifies the multidisciplinary nature of modern cancer research—integrating molecular biology, diagnostic innovation, and therapeutic development to create more personalized, effective treatment approaches.
Breast cancer research relies on a sophisticated array of reagents and technologies that enable scientists to investigate disease mechanisms and develop new therapies.
| Tool/Reagent | Function/Application | Research Context | Complexity Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| ctDNA Assays | Detect tumor-derived DNA in blood | Liquid biopsy for monitoring treatment resistance and minimal residual disease | |
| Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) | Target chemotherapy directly to cancer cells | Development of targeted therapies like Enhertu and Datroway | |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Reagents | Visualize protein expression in tissue samples | Determining ER, PR, and HER2 status for subtyping | |
| Selective Estrogen Receptor Degraders (SERDs) | Bind to and degrade estrogen receptors | Overcoming resistance in HR+ breast cancer (e.g., camizestrant) | |
| CDK4/6 Inhibitors | Block cell cycle progression | Combination therapies for HR+ metastatic disease | |
| PROTAC Technology | Tag proteins for degradation | Novel approach to targeting resistant receptors (e.g., vepdegestrant) | |
| AI-Based Pathological Analysis | Digital assessment of tumor features | Identifying biomarkers from standard biopsy slides |
The integration of artificial intelligence into cancer research is expanding rapidly, with tools like DeepHRD demonstrating three times greater accuracy in detecting homologous recombination deficiency compared to conventional genomic tests 9 .
For undergraduates interested in breast cancer research, several prestigious summer fellowship programs offer immersive experiences in cutting-edge laboratories.
This UK-based program provides medical students with eight-week research projects in clinical oncology.
This 10-week, NIH/NCI-sponsored program focuses on cancer genetics, epigenetics, and related disciplines.
This program offers cutting-edge knowledge across the cancer research continuum, with a focus on precision cancer medicine.
| Program | Duration | Stipend/Funding | Application Deadline | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RCR SURF | 8 weeks | £1,440 bursary + £500 project funds | March 2026 (est.) 1 | Medical students in 2nd-4th year (UK) |
| MD Anderson SPCR | 10 weeks | $7,200 stipend | January 14, 2026 8 | Undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, juniors |
| Cancer Core Europe | 5 days | €1,100 fee (scholarships available) | Applications closed for 2025 5 | PhD/MD students, postdocs, clinician-scientists |
"The RCR SURF programme has been a huge benefit to both my clinical and academic development. Gaining lasting mentoring relationships has been invaluable and provided a new-found confidence in approaching the academic world."
"This project has provided a valuable mentorship opportunity that has been instrumental in fostering my interest in oncology... It has also been a pleasure working with a supportive mentor throughout the fellowship."
These testimonials highlight the professional development and career clarification that summer fellowships provide beyond technical laboratory skills.
Securing a competitive summer fellowship requires strategic preparation.
Before applying, reflect on which aspects of breast cancer research genuinely excite you. Are you drawn to molecular mechanisms, clinical trial design, computational approaches, or diagnostic innovations? Specific interests will help you identify suitable mentors and programs 8 .
Most programs require two letters of recommendation, typically including at least one from a STEM professor. Build relationships with faculty members through office hours, research assistance, or course participation, ensuring they can speak knowledgeably about your capabilities and scientific potential 8 .
Your statement should describe prior research experience and articulate your specific interest in cancer research. As MD Anderson's application guidelines suggest, "If you do not have any research experience, please describe your interest in pursuing an academic and/or professional career in cancer research" 8 .
Investigate faculty members at target institutions whose work aligns with your interests. Mentioning specific researchers or projects in your application demonstrates genuine engagement and can facilitate better program matches 8 .
Some competitive programs may include interviews. Be ready to discuss your research experience, scientific interests, and how a summer fellowship aligns with your long-term goals.
Application timelines vary, with many prestigious programs opening in November and closing in January for the following summer. The MD Anderson SPCR, for instance, accepts applications from November 17, 2025, through January 14, 2026 8 .
Start preparing your applications at least 3-4 months before deadlines. This allows time for requesting recommendations, drafting and revising essays, and gathering required documents.
Undergraduate summer fellowships in breast cancer research represent unparalleled opportunities to contribute meaningfully to scientific progress while developing your identity as a researcher.
These programs offer access to cutting-edge technologies, expert mentorship, and collaborative networks that can shape your entire career trajectory. As breast cancer research evolves at an accelerating pace—driven by advances in precision medicine, liquid biopsy, and targeted therapies—the need for passionate, dedicated young scientists has never been greater.
Whether you're analyzing ctDNA data, learning cell culture techniques, or contributing to groundbreaking clinical trial research, a summer fellowship in breast cancer research offers more than laboratory skills—it provides a chance to join a community dedicated to alleviating human suffering through scientific discovery.