May 12, 2016

Using MRI to detect TAM cells

Hi! My name is Ashley Makela and I’m a PhD candidate in the Department of Medical Biophysics at Western University. I’m working at Robarts Research Institute in Dr. Paula Foster’s lab where MRI cell tracking is a main focus.

My research involves using MRI to detect and quantify specific cells called tumour associated macrophages (TAMs), which are associated with cancer. The presence of these cells in breast cancer correlates with an aggressive tumour, metastasis (the spread of the primary tumour to distant sites in the body) and a poor patient prognosis.

We’re excited because our imaging has been telling us a lot about the breast cancer tumour microenvironment – for instance, we can visualize these cells within a mouse model of breast cancer. The ability to do this may produce important information about the influence of TAMs on tumour growth and metastatic spread, and give insight on how to use this information to aid in detection, prognosis and treatment evaluation.

The next few months will be exciting ones! I’ll be busy writing a research paper and will be presenting my research at the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine conference in Singapore this May.

Thank you to BCSC for your trainee support!
– Ashley Makela, PhD Candidate
Pamela Greenaway-Kohlmeier Translational Breast Cancer Research Unit, London Health Sciences Centre

Queens Park: Breast Cancer Canada Calls on Ontarians

Self-Refer for Mammograms as Screening Age Lowers to 40 This pivotal change expands access to life-saving mammograms for millions of women in Ontario, empowering them

Cortney & Connie: Twin sisters carrying the BRCA2 Gene

This year alone, more than 30,000 Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer. My journey began in 2015, when I was just 29

Manitoba removing barriers for breast screening

Manitoba is taking a significant step forward in breast cancer care with a new plan to lower the age for self-referral mammogram screenings. Currently, women

New Survey Reveals 94% of Canadians Back Earlier Screening

A Call for Equitable Access to Breast Cancer Care Nationwide Today, Breast Cancer Canada (BCC), a national charity dedicated to saving lives through breast cancer

Progress Through Research

Latest Research

Breast Cancer Canada donations fund life-saving research that directly impacts Canadian patients. That means better answers, bigger breakthroughs – and more personalized treatment for every breast cancer diagnosis.

Patient Tools

Our suite of digital tools are each designed to help individuals better manage their breast cancer journey through education, research and personalized insights, while also elevating the patient voice.

Patient Stories

Every breast cancer journey is unique, but together, these stories paint a powerful picture of progress. Through firsthand accounts from patients and survivors, we share stories that highlight the lived-experiences of breast cancer.

Fuel Progress

Progress happens when we invest in it. Canada is home to some of the world’s brightest minds in research. Together, we are advancing science, ensuring it leads to earlier detection, better treatments, and improved outcomes for patients across the country.