The Research Samples Series: Insights from the Student Research Community
“Everyone, close or distant, has a history of breast cancer. It’s so common,” says Kaoutar Ennour-Idrissi, a doctoral student in epidemiology and a resident in pathology, who was deeply affected by the battle against the disease, losing three mothers in her close circle.
Her doctoral project, guided by Professors Caroline Diorio and Francine Durocher, delves into the effectiveness of anti-estrogen treatments for hormone-dependent breast cancers, specifically examining the influence of breast adipose tissue. “After menopause, it is adipocytes, fat cells, which produce estrogen in women,” explains Kaoutar. The focus of her research is to determine the characteristics of the tumor’s surrounding tissue and how this impacts treatment response. “If weight plays a role, we may wonder if it is possible to adjust the dose or use a drug with another mechanism of action,” Kaoutar elaborates. Notably, the study also encompasses premenopausal patients, for whom treatments may include methods to induce menopause along with anti-estrogens.
Kaoutar expresses a strong affinity for patient interactions, stating, “I wanted to be closer to reality, closer to patients, by combining molecular biology with epidemiology.” For her project, a cohort of 160 patients was recruited at the Deschênes-Fabia Breast Disease Center at Saint-Sacrement Hospital. Patients were categorized into two groups: those who responded well to treatment and those who did not. Kaoutar’s goal is to identify markers or factors that could influence disease prognosis and treatment response, leading to a more personalized therapeutic approach.
Kaoutar selected and harvested adipose tissue from paraffinized blocks to construct tissue microarrays to concentrate the DNA.
— Yan Doublet
Understanding Cancer at a Cellular Level
Kaoutar’s path to research was unique, driven by an earnest desire to comprehend the complexities of diseases like breast cancer. “I started by studying medicine, because I wanted to help, to feel useful,” she reflects. During her internships, she recognized the critical need for pathological examinations, revealing anomalies and guiding appropriate treatments.
“When I look at a slide of cancer, it gives me goosebumps. I wanted to understand why this happens and what we can do to prevent it from happening,” she adds. This realization led her to suspend her medical training to gain research expertise, culminating in a master’s degree in clinical epidemiology followed by her current doctoral program.
Integrating Clinical Practice with Research
Alongside her doctoral work, Kaoutar resumed her residency in pathology through the Clinician-Researcher Training Program. “Not everyone embarks on this adventure. It brings challenges, but also a lot of professional fulfillment and satisfaction,” she shares. Kaoutar aspires to work as a clinician-scientist, splitting her time between patient care and research. This model guides her research inquiries based on clinical questions while simultaneously enriching pathology practices through her scientific contributions.
Kaoutar often uses visual aids during public presentations to effectively explain the complexities of breast cancer.
— Yan Doublet
Acknowledgements and Support in Research
Kaoutar has received several scholarships for her project, including the Vanier scholarship in 2017. She highlights the importance of this financial support, stating, “This assistance has been crucial in my doctoral journey and will contribute significantly to my future career.” She is optimistic that this recognition will bolster her profile in acquiring grants as a clinician-scientist.
Patient Education: Bridging Gaps in Understanding
Public outreach and education hold a special place in Kaoutar’s work. Throughout her educational journey, she has noted a prevalent lack of understanding regarding breast cancer, even among patients in her cohort. “A significant proportion of patients did not follow their treatment plans despite being prescribed medication, simply because they were unaware of its significance,” she observes. To address this issue, she envisions the development of a project aimed at enhancing patient comprehension of the disease and treatment options.
Research Methodology and Focus Areas
The methodology implemented in Kaoutar’s research is pioneering, focusing on several critical areas:
- Sample Collection: Involves recruiting patients from the Deschênes-Fabia Breast Disease Center, ensuring a diverse cohort for accurate data.
- Hormonal Assessment: Evaluating estrogen levels in adipose tissue and blood before and after treatment.
- Epigenetic Profiling: Examining the epigenetic modifications in fat cells that may impact tumor behavior.
- Response Evaluation: Classifying patients based on treatment response to identify personalized strategies.
FAQs about Breast Cancer Treatment Research
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the main goal of Kaoutar’s research? | To understand how breast adipose tissue influences the effectiveness of anti-estrogen treatments in breast cancer. |
| How does adipose tissue affect cancer treatment? | Adipose tissue may produce estrogen, which can promote tumor growth and influence treatment response. |
| Why is patient education important in breast cancer? | Educating patients can significantly improve treatment adherence and understanding of the disease. |
| What career paths can a clinician-scientist pursue? | Clinician-scientists can work in academia, research institutions, or clinical settings, driving advances in healthcare and research. |
