Breast Cancer SPORE

The vision of the Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer SPORE is that the burden of breast cancer can be reduced by conducting innovative translational research that addresses research questions vitally important to everyone affected by breast cancer. The mission of the SPORE is to accomplish this vision.

The Breast Cancer SPORE addresses significant problems related to breast cancer, with the goal of reducing morbidity and mortality. Our research projects focus on genetic mutations and their impact on breast cancer risk and response to endocrine therapy, developing endocrine therapies for premenopausal ER+/HER2- breast cancer, and understanding p95HER2 and its effects on antitumor immunity and response to HER2-directed therapies.

To enhance our work, our investigators collaborate with researchers in other breast cancer SPOREs and leading breast cancer programs in the United States through the Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium. This consortium was established to aid and expedite sophisticated breast cancer research and its application to clinical practice.

Research projects

The Breast Cancer SPORE supports three translational research projects:

Project 1: The Influence of Variants in ER-Positive Breast Cancer Predisposition Genes on Breast Cancer Risk and Response to Therapy. We're investigating genetic mutations so that people can receive accurate information about their cancer risk.
Project 2: Improving the Endocrine Management of Premenopausal ER+/HER2- Breast Cancer. We're developing a drug called Z-endoxifen to treat premenopausal estrogen receptor-expressing breast cancer.
Project 4: P95HER2, Antitumor Immunity and the Efficacy of HER2-Directed Antibody Drug Conjugates. We're studying p95HER2 for better treatment options in HER2+ breast cancer.

Cores

Our research projects are supported by the SPORE's three highly interactive cores: the Administrative Core; Biospecimens and Pathology Core; and Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Patient Registry Core.

Investigator support

The Breast Cancer SPORE also provides research awards and support for investigators through its two funding programs.

The Developmental Research Program supports innovative and scientifically meritorious research projects that have the greatest potential to be translated into clinically important applications to prevent, diagnose and treat breast cancer.

The Career Enhancement Program is for highly qualified investigators who have the greatest potential to conduct meaningful translational research and develop independent research programs to reduce the burden and mortality of breast cancer. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

NCI funding

The SPORE has a long track record of performing practice-changing translational research.

The Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer SPORE grant was first awarded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in 2005 through a competitive application process. Since then, the NCI has awarded each grant renewal application — 2011, 2016 and most recently in 2022, when the NCI awarded Mayo Clinic a five-year, $12.1 million grant for the SPORE.

SPORE leadership

Dr. Goetz

The principal investigator and director of the Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer SPORE is Matthew P. Goetz, M.D.

Dr. Goetz received the SPORE's first Career Enhancement Award in 2005. He became co-leader of a SPORE research project in 2009 and became co-principal investigator of the SPORE in 2014. He became the overall principal investigator and director in 2018.

Dr. Goetz also is a practicing oncologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Goetz is a professor of oncology and a professor of pharmacology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. He is recognized with the distinction of being the Erivan K. Haub Family Professor of Cancer Research Honoring Richard F. Emslander, M.D. Dr. Goetz's research focuses on estrogen receptor positive breast cancer and novel therapeutics for endocrine-resistant breast cancer. His laboratory and clinical work are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Read Dr. Goetz's research profile.