(from left to right: Suzanne Conzen, MD, Maryellen Giger, PhD, Geoffrey Greene, PhD, Greg Karczmar, PhD, Kay Wissmann, Olufunmilayo Olopade, MD, FACP, Ilana Cohen; bottom row: Anna Di Rienzo, PhD, Gini Fleming, MD, M. Eileen Dolan, PhD)

Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE)
in Breast Cancer

The University of Chicago (UC) Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in Breast Cancer brings together a multidisciplinary team of basic, clinical, and population science investigators to design innovative research and use a global strategy to reduce worldwide suffering from breast cancer. Our program is 1 of only 11 NCI Breast Cancer SPOREs in the United States.

The UC SPORE aims to develop genetic and imaging-based approaches to the prevention, detection, and treatment of breast cancer in women who are at increased risk of developing an aggressive form of malignancy at a young age. Since this type of breast cancer disproportionately affects young women of African ancestry, a portion of the Breast SPORE tackles the global issue of health disparities among various ethnic and racial groups. 

The Breast Cancer SPORE is composed of four primary research projects, which are supported by three resource cores. In addition, the Developmental Research Program and the Career Development Program promote novel research endeavors and provide support for young investigators at the University of Chicago. 

Principal Investigator                Olufunmilayo Olopade, MD 
Co-Principal Investigator           Gini Fleming, MD
Co-Principal Investigator           Maryellen Giger, PhD