About one in five newly diagnosed cancers is a second or subsequent cancer that is often related to treatment of an earlier cancer. Second breast cancers are the most common, and tend to have fewer treatment options and worse outcomes than first breast cancers. Watt: “Understanding why some cancer survivors develop a second breast cancer is vital for improving the care and long-term health of the growing population of cancer survivors.”
Interestingly, previous studies have shown that systemic autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, seem to reduce the risk of a first breast cancer. Watt’s own preliminary research suggests that these autoimmune diseases may interact with cancer treatment in influencing the risk of treatment-related second breast cancer. "But no research groups have systematically studied how these autoimmune conditions interact with cancer treatments like chemotherapy, and how they might influence the risk of developing a second breast cancer,” he says.
To address this knowledge gap, Watt and his team at the Netherlands Cancer Institute will combine large population studies, advanced genetic analysis, and innovative statistical models. “Using molecular approaches, we will develop new tools to capture a wider range of autoimmune-like disease, including subclinical forms that may be missed in clinical care.” The team will map how and when autoimmune disease develops, and how it impacts the development of a second breast cancer.”
Watt: “We expect this project to reveal key insights into how the immune system influences cancer survivors’ risk for new cancers. Our findings could ultimately improve risk prediction, guide more personalized follow-up care, and help protect survivors from developing second cancers.” With over 12 million female cancer survivors in Europe alone, and a significant portion at risk for second breast cancers, this research has the potential for a major impact on survivorship science and patient care.