Edith A. Perez, MD

Progress has been made on three major fronts in Dr. Perez's research on the various breast cancer subtypes. Her team has identified two new proteins that appear to play significant roles in breast cancer cells: the Plekha7 protein on cellular adhesion and the sFRP1 protein on cell survival.

Dr. Perez's team has also completed and published their initial genomic data on HER2 primary tumors and generated a "first draft" genomic model that describes HER2 activity in tumor cells. Of particular importance, Dr. Perez's team has identified a novel class of mutations (fusion transcripts) in breast tumors, and their preliminary data suggest that these entities may have clinical utility in predicting outcome.

The objectives of Dr. Perez's team for the coming year will focus upon genomic analysis of HER2 tumors and cell lines. Their ultimate goal is to use the genetic data gathered from their projects to develop methods to predict therapeutic outcome and to identify new therapeutic options for individuals whose breast cancer has returned after being treated with HER2-targeted therapy.

Mid-year Progress: Dr. Perez's team has completed an analysis of gene interactions that are present in HER2-positive breast cancer tumors. This type of analysis is critically important to optimize therapeutic strategies. Moreover, they are continuing several studies to modulate gene expression to then assess its impact on sensitivity to therapy.

Bio:
Edith A. Perez, MD, is the Deputy Director, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center in Florida, director of the Breast Program, and the Serene M. and Frances C. Durling Professor of Medicine at Mayo Medical School. She is a cancer specialist and an internationally known translational researcher at Mayo Clinic. Her roles extend nationally, including chairing the Breast Committee for the North Central Cancer Treatment Group, as well as other positions within the American Association for Cancer Research, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Perez has developed, and is involved in, a wide range of clinical trials exploring the use of new therapeutic agents for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer. She also has developed studies to evaluate the role of genetic markers in the development and aggressiveness of breast cancer.

Dr. Perez has authored more than 555 research articles in journals, books, and abstracts. She receives invitations to lecture at national and international meetings frequently, and serves on the editorial boards of multiple academic journals.

Dr. Perez is a recipient of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation's Research Grant Award (1998-2010); the Horizon Achievement Award in Cancer Research (2002); the North Florida Hispanic of the Year Award (2003); the Mayo Clinic Outstanding Faculty Award (2002 & 2004); the Mayo Clinic Distinguished Educator Award (2003); the named Serene M. and Frances C. Durling Professorship of Medicine (2006); Honorary Doctorate of Letters, University of North Florida (2006); Mayo Clinic Distinguished Investigator (2007); the Florida State Biomedical Research Advisory Council [BRAC] (2009-2012); member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (2009) and Mayo Clinic Outstanding Course Director (2010).