Purdue Center for Cancer Research selects recipient for Challenge Research Award
The Purdue Center for Cancer Research has awarded its Challenge Research Award to Sophie Lelièvre, associate professor of basic medical sciences and leader of the center's Breast Cancer Discovery Group.
The $30,000 award will allow Lelièvre to explore how the most aggressive forms of breast cancer evolve from early lesions.
"We will make use of a unique cell line that mimics noninvasive stages of triple negative forms of breast cancer," she says. "These cells have the capabilities of evolving into invasive forms. Using a tissue culture system that we helped develop, we will test a novel concept that we are proposing on how less aggressive parts of the cancerous lesions formed by this type of breast cancer cells can help push the more aggressive cells toward an invasive behavior, which is usually accompanied with a higher risk of metastasis."
All PCCR researchers were invited to apply for the cancer-focused research award. The winner was selected by Timothy Ratliff, the center's director, and the center's executive committee.
Lelièvre will be recognized before the start of this year's Challenge, which begins at 8:30 a.m. April 17 outside Ross-Ade Stadium.
Participants are still being sought for the Challenge 5K run/walk, a 3.1-mile event. The registration fee is $20 for students and $25 for non-students through Friday (April 9), and $30 per person after that day. More information is available online at https://www.thepurduechallenge.com. All proceeds benefit the Purdue Center for Cancer Research.
Lelièvre, along with 13 members from her laboratory, will be participating in this year's Challenge.
"We are proud to be this year's recipient and wish to say thank you to the community for supporting research done at the PCCR," she says.