Pathobiology 2027

Mechanisms of Disease

May 1-4, 2027

Flamingo Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NW

Session 021 – Breast Cancer Workshop: Microbiome and Breast Cancer

10:30 AM-12:15 PM
Sponsored by the ASIP Breast Cancer Scientific Interest Group
Session Room: TBD

Session Co-Chairs

Bethany Hannafon

Bethany Hannafon, PhD
University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

Dennis Jones

Dennis Jones, PhD
Boston University

Session Overview

This Breast Cancer Workshop session will explore the emerging and rapidly evolving role of the microbiome in breast cancer development, progression, metastasis, prevention, and therapeutic response. Speakers will discuss how gut and breast tissue–resident microbial communities influence tumor biology through immune, hormonal, dietary, and tissue-specific mechanisms, and how microbiota may shape communication between distant organs and tumors to promote metastasis. The session will also highlight opportunities to translate microbiome science into strategies for breast cancer risk reduction, treatment optimization, and improved patient outcomes.

Agenda

  • Co-Chair – Welcome and Introductions

  • Melanie Rutkowski10:30-10:55 AM
    Understanding How Gut Microbiota Amplify Crosstalk Between Distant Tissues and Tumors to Instigate Tumor Metastasis
    Melanie Rutkowski, PhD
    University of Virginia School of Medicine

  • Katherine Cook10:55-11:20 AM
    Tissue-Resident Microbiota Influence Breast Tumor Risk and Therapeutic Responsiveness
    Katherine Cook, PhD
    Wake Forest University School of Medicine

  • Tengteng Wang11:20-11:45 AM
    Microbes, Hormones, and Diet: Translating Microbiome Science into Breast Cancer Prevention and Control
    Tengteng Wang, PhD, MSPH, MBBS
    Rutgers School of Public Health

  • Dipali Sharma11:45 AM-12:15 PM
    Impact of Gut Microbial Alterations on Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment
    Dipali Sharma, PhD
    Johns Hopkins University