My Breakthrough
In Conversation with Anita Dunbier
“I grew up on a farm in New Zealand, and from an early age I was fascinated by how living things work. Later on, after enjoying biology at school, I decided to become a scientist because I could see the amazing potential of science to help people.
Now I work in a Breakthrough lab based at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, right next door to Breakthrough’s Research Centre. Our Research Team focuses on hormone-sensitive breast cancer, which accounts for 70-80% of all breast cancer cases diagnosed in the UK. Our aim is to improve the treatment of this disease, and to overcome the problem of resistance.
In my research I’m looking at a group of drugs called aromatase inhibitors, which are used to treat post-menopausal women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer. Aromatase inhibitors are really effective for treating some patients, but unfortunately not for all. I’m trying to develop tests that could be offered to breast cancer patients at the time they’re diagnosed. This would enable doctors to determine as early as possible the best course of treatment for each individual patient.
Through my research, I would also like to contribute to a better overall understanding of hormone-sensitive breast cancer. This should assist the development of new, more precisely targeted, drugs in the future.
My day-to-day work is really quite varied. I carry out experiments in the lab, and then I have to do a lot of work analysing the data by computer. I specialise in using microarray technology, which is an incredibly powerful technique that enables me to study thousands of different genes simultaneously. Another very important aspect of my work is meeting with other scientists to discuss ideas and results.
The Royal Marsden Hospital is a great place to work. Every day I see cancer patients coming in and out of the hospital, which serves as a daily reminder of why our research is so important. One of the reasons I enjoy my work is because I know that it will have long-term benefits for breast cancer patients. Additionally, from a scientific perspective, understanding the complex workings of a cancer cell is fascinating. There’s quite a buzz when you realise that you’ve found something that has never, ever been seen before.
I like working for Breakthrough because I feel close to the people who give up their precious time to fundraise, so that we scientists can do our work. I’ve met supporters of Breakthrough on lab tours, and also while doing the MoonWalk last year, and it’s always a moving experience to hear their stories. Whenever I meet supporters, I am reminded of the responsibility we have to use our funding wisely so that patients’ lives can be improved. I really appreciate the support of Peter Green and his family who fund my work in memory of his wife, Mary-Jean, who sadly died of breast cancer."
