A new research project with the overall aim of improving chemotherapy monitoring for patients diagnosed with Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), is being funded by Breast Cancer Kent.
In the UK approximately 50,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a specific type of breast cancer that is not hormone dependent and comprises up to 15% of cases. Treatment for TNBC almost always includes chemotherapy, to shrink the cancer, followed by surgery. During chemotherapy, it can be difficult to monitor the cancer response. Using new high resolution contrast enhanced ultrasound, in combination with tiny injected bubbles (microbubbles) holds the promise of improved monitoring during chemotherapy treatment.
Recruitment for this study will begin soon, and if successful, it will lay the foundation for a larger study to see if this new technology can replace existing standard imaging tests used to diagnose and monitor TNBC during chemotherapy.
Mr Jaideep Singh Rait is leading this project as part of his Masters research. Working with Prof Michelle Garrett, Prof Mengxing Tang, Dr Catherine Harper-Wynne, Dr Sonia Saw and Miss Karina Cox, the team will be using high resolution contrast enhanced ultrasound with biological markers to assess the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed triple negative breast cancer.
The Researcher:
Mr Jaideep Singh Rait
BSc, MSc, MBBS, MRCS
Affiliations:
University of Kent, School of Biosciences (MRes student – Cell Biology)
Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (Clinical Research Fellow – Breast department)
Mr Jaideep Singh Rait is a general surgical/ breast trainee based in Kent who is taking time out of training to pursue his research interests in breast cancer.
I began my journey into cancer biology initially at Queen Mary University of London where I studied Biomedical Science before going on to complete my medical training at Barts and the London Medical School. In 2017 I commenced specialist registrar training in general surgery in Kent and developed a keen interest in the management of breast cancer. In 2021 I made the decision to take time out of training to pursue my research interests. I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by an excellent research team and supervisors who have fully supported the project since its inception. In addition to beginning this clinical study I have also been learning the laboratory skills and techniques required at the University of Kent, as part of Professor Garretts team. In parallel, I also work as a clinical fellow in the breast department at Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. My ability to conduct this research has only been made possible with the support provided by the research and development team at Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust and most importantly, from Breast Cancer Kent. Without the funding support provided by Breast Cancer Kent I would not have been able to take on this research project and higher degree. It is with the help and support of Breast Cancer Kent that this research into TNBC has been made possible.