Avon Breast Cancer Research
June 24, 2009
Avon Foundation Awards $150,000 to
Dr. Tonetti for Breast Cancer Research
Dr. Tonetti for Breast Cancer Research
Debra Tonetti, associate professor of Biopharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago, recently received a $150,000 check from the Avon Foundation that will be used to continue her research toward the treatment of breast cancer.
Tonetti was presented with the check at the closing ceremonies of the Avon Walk Chicago, held at Soldier Field.
Tonetti is currently studying how involution – a change that occurs in the breast at the end of breast feeding – may allow breast cancer to become more aggressive. The study, beginning its third year, focuses on specific involution-associated events such as inflammation, tissue remodeling and new blood vessel formation in the manifestation of pregnancy-associated breast cancers (PABCs).
“The results of this project will help us to understand the mechanisms behind pregnancy-associated breast cancers and will indicate potentially effective prevention strategies for women at high risk, such as the use of anti-inflammatory agents,” Tonetti said.
The grant to UIC was part of more than $2.4 million awarded to six local organizations by the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. More than 3,200 people participated in the Chicago event, which raised $7 million to advance access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer.
Tonetti's Research Thanks to the Avon Foundation