The Winkler Lab is studying the underlying mechanisms that lead to breast cancer metastasis. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and most patients die because of metastasis. Metastasis refers to the spread of tumor cells to different sites in the body, and is a complex, multistep process influenced by many factors. By understanding these factors, we can develop better treatments that target these metastatic sites more effectively.
Namrata’s project aims to explore why breast cancer tends to spread to specific organs and how the unique characteristics of both the tumor cells and the distant organs contribute to this process.
"I am driven by the desire to transform our knowledge of breast cancer metastasis into tangible therapies that can save lives. By uncovering the hidden mechanisms of organ-specific metastasis, we aim to make a real difference in the fight against this devastating disease," says Namrata.
The insights gained from this study could lead to the development of novel targeted therapies that specifically address the metastatic sites, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for breast cancer patients.