Medical College of Wisconsin Receives $2.7 Million Grant for Cardio-oncology Research to Improve Life after Cancer for Black and African American Women

Milwaukee, Aug. 12, 2021 – The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) was recently awarded funding from the American Heart Association (AHA) for a grant that aims to uncover why Black and African American women are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular complications after breast cancer, and what medical providers can do to affect, predict, and prevent vascular damage.

“We don’t know what factors contribute to higher rates of heart disease among some populations of people versus others,” said Andreas Beyer, PhD, associate professor of cardiology, MCW. “So, we’re committed to doing the research and taking actions to close this gap and improve survivorship for all.”

The research will be led by MCW’s David Gutterman, MD, Distinguished Professor of Cardiovascular Sciences and Cardiovascular Center Senior Associate Director and Melinda Stolley, PhD, Ann E. Heil Professor in Cancer Research and Cancer Center Associate Director. The transdisciplinary team is supported by additional researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago and brings together experts in population science, basic science, and clinical studies around a single area of research focus – cardio-oncology.

The team will study the effect of cancer treatment on blood vessels and measure whether engaging in moderate physical activity and strength training can minimize or prevent vascular damage.

“We know exercise can improve cardiovascular fitness and quality of life among cancer patients undergoing treatments,” said Stolley. “However, most studies have predominantly white patient samples and are not focused on assessing outcomes for women of color. Additionally, many of these same studies do not include long-term follow-up on patient response or look at the physiological pathways that link exercise to cardiovascular outcomes.”

What makes the research program increasingly unique is the inclusion of a training program that offers a collaborative research experience – with the community – to enable the next generation of researchers and physicians to prevent ongoing health disparities.

“The synergistic nature of this work will help propel science forward, stretch how we think about cancer disparities and enable us to make faster progress toward new discoveries,” said Gutterman. “Ultimately, it’s about advancing what we know to provide the best patient care possible.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.