Deciphering the mechanisms of breast cancer liver metastasis

• PhD

Breast cancer has become the most common cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in women globally. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Approximately 30% of patients experience metastasis, when cancer spreads beyond the breast.

While the five-year survival rate for localized breast cancer exceeds 90%, it falls below 30% once metastasis occurs—making distant spread the primary cause of treatment failure and death. Common metastasis sites include bone, lung, liver, and brain. Liver metastases, in particular, have a median survival of just 3–15 months and a five-year survival rate under 10%. Despite its prevalence, there is no targeted therapy for breast cancer liver metastasis.

This project aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving liver spread using preclinical models and advanced techniques—such as CRISPR screens, single-cell and spatial profiling. These discoveries could lay the groundwork for new strategies in prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment.

Associate Professor Fu’s laboratory investigates stem cell and cancer biology in epithelial tissues—specifically liver, breast, and skin—revealing new cellular and molecular mechanisms governing tissue development, regeneration, tumor initiation and progression. Using advanced molecular biology techniques, 3D imaging, organoids, single cell and spatial profiling, and preclinical mouse models, the team works closely with clinician–scientists to translate discoveries into clinical applications.

At WEHI, breast cancer research is led by Professors Geoff Lindeman and Jane Visvader, recognized globally for their work in mammary stem cells and translational oncology.

In this project, Dr. Fu joins forces with them to tackle liver metastasis in breast cancer. Together, they will build robust preclinical models and employ cutting edge molecular methods to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for patients facing this currently incurable disease.