The Who, What, Where, When and Sometimes, Why.

Emerging Areas in Treatment

Researchers are always searching for new and better ways to treat breast cancer.

Advances over the past 40 years have increased survival and improved the quality of life for people with breast cancer.

Treatments now under study should continue this progress into the future. 

Our commitment to research

At Susan G. Komen®, we are committed to saving lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. Our Research Program is an essential driving force for achieving this mission.

Since our inception in 1982, Komen has provided funding to support research grants that have greatly expanded our knowledge of breast cancer and helped us understand that breast cancer is not just a single disease but many diseases, unique to each individual.

To date, Komen has provided nearly $1.1 billion to researchers in 47 states, the District of Columbia and 24 countries to support research that has resulted in a better understanding of breast cancer; earlier detection; personalized, less invasive treatments for what was once a “one-treatment-fits-all” disease; and improvements in both quality of life and survival rates.

Learn more about our continuing investment in research and the exciting research that we are funding, because nothing would make us happier than ending breast cancer forever. 

Emerging areas in treatment

Perhaps the most promising new treatments are targeted therapies. Targeted therapies attack specific cancer cells and leave healthy cells alone. So, they may help limit side effects and improve survival.

Learn about new therapies under study in the following areas:  

Clinical trials

Research is ongoing to improve all areas of treatment for breast cancer.

New therapies are being studied in clinical trials. The results of these studies will determine whether these therapies become part of the standard of care.

After discussing the benefits and risks with your health care provider, we encourage you to consider joining a clinical trial.

Susan G. Komen® Patient Care Center

If you or a loved one needs information or resources about clinical trials, the Patient Care Center can help. Contact the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877-465-6636 or email clinicaltrialinfo@komen.org.

The Patient Care Center navigators offer breast cancer clinical trial education and support, such as:

  • Knowing when to consider a trial
  • How to find a trial
  • How to decide which trial is best for you
  • What to expect during a trial
  • Information about clinical trial resources

Se habla español.

BreastCancerTrials.org in collaboration with Komen offers a custom matching service to help find clinical trials that fit your needs.

Learn how Komen is helping people with any stage of breast cancer find and participate in clinical trials, including trials supported by Komen.

Learn more about clinical trials

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Komen Perspectives

Read our perspective on clinical trials.*

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* Please note, the information provided within Komen Perspectives articles is only current as of the date of posting. Therefore, some information may be out of date.

Updated 12/28/23