Global Collaboration Boosts Breast Cancer Research at GITAM Conclave

As cancer continues to impose a heavy economic and social burden worldwide, researchers are urging the development of more effective treatment strategies. Prof. Sanjay Malhotra of Oregon Health & Science University (USA) highlighted this pressing need during the International SPARC Cancer Research Conclave held at GITAM Deemed to be University on Monday.

Prof. Malhotra drew attention to a growing global health concern: breast cancer incidence is rising by 3.1 percent annually, with approximately 680,000 women dying from the disease in 2020. He focused on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive and highly heterogeneous subtype that accounts for 15–20 percent of breast cancer cases worldwide.

“TNBC presents significant clinical challenges due to its heterogeneity, poor prognosis, high recurrence, and elevated risk of metastasis,” said Prof. Malhotra. He also noted that dysregulation of protein translation is a common hallmark of cancer, and his team has identified combination treatment strategies showing promise in slowing tumour growth and progression.

Prof. S. Anantha Rama Krishna, Dean of GITAM School of Science, outlined the objectives of the SPARC project—the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration—a Ministry of Education initiative designed to strengthen India’s research ecosystem through partnerships with top global universities.

The conclave brought together leading academics and researchers from India and abroad, including Prof. K. Vedavathi (Principal), Prof. N. Srinivas (Life Sciences Head), Prof. Malla Rama Rao, Dr. P. Vasudevaraju, Prof. Paturu Kondaiah (IISc Bengaluru), Prof. Suresh Kumar Rayala (IIT Madras), Dr. V. Sivakumar (IISER Tirupati), Prof. PG Nagaraju (University of Alabama, USA), and Dr. Shivani Kumar (Oregon Health & Science University, USA). Researchers from the GITAM Bioinformatics Laboratory, including Dr. A. Krishna Chaitanya and Dr. N. Nageswara Rao Reddy, presented cutting-edge research in cancer biology and computational oncology.

The conclave underscored the importance of international collaboration in cancer research, highlighting strategies to improve patient survival, develop innovative diagnostic tools, and reduce the global burden of breast cancer. Experts emphasized the need for personalized treatment approaches, early detection programs, and sustained research funding to address aggressive subtypes like TNBC.

By fostering cross-border partnerships, sharing clinical and research insights, and promoting mentorship programs for early-career scientists, the conclave aimed to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer treatment, strengthen India’s position in global oncology research, and ultimately save lives worldwide.