MARP 2023: Marybeth and Tae-Hyung
Marybeth Gilliam, Advocate and Tae-Hyung Kim, Researcher
Micro-system Thinking for Macro Change: A Partnership Forged by Theresa's Foundation
The journey of discovery often comes from the most unexpected pairings. My recent partnership with Tae-Hyung Kim, a foundational cancer researcher, under the auspices of Theresa's Foundation, showcases just that. Our collaboration unraveled unexpected parallels between market research, my domain, and the intricate field of metastatic breast cancer studies.
The Intersection of Two Worlds
Invited by Theresa's Foundation to the Metastatic Breast Cancer Research Conference (MBCRC), we were presented with an opportunity to build a bidirectional relationship. The mission was clear: help bridge the gap between patient experiences and the world of research to accelerate the development of better treatment options.
Segmenting in Market Research vs. Clinical Research
Having spent years in market research, segmenting and profiling target audiences is a fundamental practice for me. We routinely drill down to understand the unique behaviors, needs, and preferences of each segment. Similarly, precision oncology aims to segment patients based on their molecular subtypes, so patients can be treated with tailored treatments. Nevertheless, most basic and clinical studies do not capture sufficient ancillary patient data, and the ones that do capture it, often are not analyzing it. From different cancer sub-types and inflammation levels to factors like age, diet, and even sleep patterns — every detail can influence the way cancer manifests and reacts to treatments. And with a deep understanding of functional differences within specific segments of the cancer population, we can often gain broader insights that can help us reach towards our bigger goal.
Delving into the Micro to Understand the Macro
Tae-Hyung’s research focuses on understanding of molecular mechanisms by which biochemical and/or mechanical cues from tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) impact cancer progression, especially metastasis. Currently he studies how changes in glucose availability in TIME are translated into regulation of mechanotype and function of triple-negative breast cancer cells and macrophages. The goal is to find new therapeutic targets that could be developed into novel adjuvant therapy for metastatic breast cancer patients.
Tae-Hyung taught me that there are pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) macrophages within a tumor microenvironment. Pro-inflammatory macrophages benefit a patient because they cause “hot tumors” — tumors which are actively signaling to immune T-cells and B-cells to come and eliminate the tumor.
I found this fascinating because it was my understanding that inflammation was a driver of cancer growth and metastasis. To hear that inflammation could be detrimental on a systemic level, yet preferential on a micro level, was a new concept for me. It led me to consider the complexity of other research that I had read about the benefits of daily aspirin for cancer patients. Numerous studies on the effects of aspirin on cancer patients have yielded mixed results. Several studies have found that aspirin can reduce the risk of cancer and cancer spread while others found contrary results such as a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, March 2021, which found that aspirin may accelerate the progression of cancer in older people.
As Tae-Hyung and I further discussed his research and the published aspirin studies, we circled back to consider how details of a person’s biology and lifestyle might influence the results of these studies. In the previously mentioned 2021 study, age is a driver that negatively influences outcomes, but what about existing levels of systemic inflammation, exercise habits, disrupted sleep patterns, or other things that might affect inflammation? We suggest there may be an opportunity for us to decipher the finding variances by looking at patterns in the micro data.
Advancing with Modern Tools
Today, the world is teeming with advanced tools capable of capturing intricate details about patients and dealing with big data generated from researches. These tools along with AI, if implemented correctly, can transform the landscape of clinical research. Yet, the adoption of new advanced tools in basic and clinical research settings seems disappointingly slow. Considering the progress in other sectors, we must work together to overcome the lag in leveraging these technological advancements in cancer research.
Communications to Bridge the Researcher — Patient Gap
Unfortunately, cancer patients are flooded with contradictory information and the ensuing frustration can be paralyzing. I’ve recently committed to helping patients identify and evaluate potential adjunct anti-cancer strategies from peer-reviewed published research through a website and podcast called Outperform Cancer. We look at a cross-section of research including contrarian studies and have discussions with researchers about their work to reduce patient frustration and increase awareness and knowledge. Tae-Hyung and other researchers at the MBCRC have been encouraging and very generous with their time. My hope is that through my work, I can help strengthen the gap between researchers and patients and accelerate effective translational research.
A Call for Change
The essence of our partnership has been the shared belief in the power of specificity. By incorporating patient involvement and more patient information into research, we can produce more precise and impactful results. Theresa's Foundation's innovative approach of merging patient experiences with foundational research is an inspiring stride forward. By focusing on the micro-details, we can pave the way for macro changes in cancer research. Through our shared vision, we hope to drive the clinical research community to adopt practices that have long proven their worth in other sectors. It's time for a paradigm shift, and together, Tae-Hyung and I are taking the first steps.
