BRECT - Breast Cancer Theme Center

BRECT is a multidisciplinary research centre and collaborative environment that connects researchers and clinicians across Karolinska Institutet and its clinical research environments. By bringing together expertise in basic, molecular, epidemiological, computational and clinical research, BRECT creates opportunities for collaboration across traditional scientific and organisational boundaries and strengthens the translation of discoveries between research and clinical practice.

Breast cancer research at Karolinska Institutet

Breast cancer research at Karolinska Institutet spans the full continuum from understanding the fundamental mechanisms underlying breast cancer development and progression to prevention, early detection, precision diagnostics, treatment and survivorship.

Basic and translational research explores tumour biology, hormonal signalling, tumour heterogeneity and evolution, the tumour microenvironment, genomics and mechanisms of treatment response and resistance. Epidemiological and population-based research investigates genetic and non-genetic determinants of breast cancer risk and prognosis, mammographic density, familial risk, screening and opportunities for improved risk prediction and prevention.

Breast imaging, artificial intelligence, computational science and precision pathology are increasingly integrated with molecular and clinical research to develop new approaches to screening, diagnosis, prognostication and treatment prediction. Clinical and translational programmes in surgery, radiotherapy and systemic treatment combine biomarkers, molecular profiling, imaging, patient and population data, and prospective clinical studies and trials to develop more precise and individualised approaches to breast cancer prevention and care.

Together, these complementary research areas provide a strong foundation for multidisciplinary and translational breast cancer research. BRECT connects this expertise across KI and its clinical research environments, creating opportunities for discoveries in laboratory, computational and population-based research to inform clinical research and practice – and for questions arising from patients and clinical care to generate new scientific directions.

Connecting expertise and advancing breast cancer research

BRECT provides a common scientific environment for the diverse disciplines involved in breast cancer research at KI. By connecting expertise across departments, research areas and clinical environments, the centre aims to catalyse new collaborations, promote the exchange of methods and ideas, and enable multidisciplinary research that extends beyond individual research groups and disciplines.

An important part of this mission is to connect researchers across career stages and support the next generation of breast cancer researchers. Scientific seminars, symposia, retreats and the Stockholm Breast Cancer Summit provide opportunities for researchers and clinicians from KI to interact with leading national and international experts, share emerging research and establish new collaborations.

Through its scientific community and collaborative activities, BRECT aims to strengthen the quality, visibility and impact of breast cancer research at Karolinska Institutet and accelerate the translation of research advances into improved prevention, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes.

BRECT is open to all researchers at Karolinska Institutet with an interest in breast cancer research.