As part of its 4th Research Grants, the Ruban Rose Association awarded two grants last December, recognizing researchers who have made significant advances in breast cancer research. Philippe Juin, director of CRCI²NA and a researcher at SIRIC ILIAD, received the Avenir Research Grant of €150,000 for the excellence of his work.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and the leading cause of cancer-related death. Although treatments are improving, ongoing research remains crucial to enhance therapies and the quality of life for patients. To provide continuous support to past laureates of the Ruban Rose Awards, the association presented its 4th Research Grants in 2022.
The Ruban Rose Association: Raising Awareness and Funding Research
Founded in 1994, the Ruban Rose Association focuses on two main missions:
- Raising awareness about the early detection of breast cancer and the importance of regular check-ups with a doctor, gynecologist, or midwife.
- Supporting and funding research through the Ruban Rose Awards, presented annually to targeted projects.
A Continued Commitment to Dr. Philippe Juin’s Research
A panel of expert researchers, chaired by Anne Vincent-Salomon, president of the Ruban Rose Association’s Scientific Committee, met on November 14 to deliberate.
On December 14, 2022, two grants were awarded:
- Grand Prix Research Grant: €240,000, awarded to previous laureates of the Grand Prix for Research.
- Avenir Research Grant: €150,000, awarded to Dr. Philippe Juin, director of CRCI²NA and researcher at SIRIC ILIAD, for the excellence of his work.
Ruban Rose Avenir Award: Supporting Innovative Research
The Ruban Rose Avenir Award is designed for doctors or researchers, focusing on innovative projects in terms of topics, methodology, and technology, with the goal of achieving significant advancements in the fight against breast cancer.
Already a recipient of the Ruban Rose Avenir Award in 2012 for his research on cell survival and treatment resistance in breast cancer, the Ruban Rose Association renews its support for Philippe Juin 10 years later.
Advancing Anti-Cancer Therapies: A Collaborative Project
Ten years ago, during his first Ruban Rose Avenir Award, Philippe Juin and his team were pioneering the use of fresh clinical tumor samples. That grant marked the successful collaboration between CRCI²NA and the Institut de Cancérologie de l’Ouest (ICO).
The current research, as well as the earlier studies, are based on cancer cell samples from patients collected as part of cohorts such as THEREX and EPICURE (led by Prof. Mario Campone and Dr. Jean Sébastien Frenel).
“These cohorts exist only because of the patients’ consent and their trust in research, hoping to improve treatments.” – Philippe Juin
The support of these cohorts and the structural efforts stemming from this label have strengthened the team’s expertise, leading to this second Ruban Rose Award.
Understanding Tumor Immune Evasion: A Joint Effort
Although the grant is awarded to Philippe Juin, it is a collaborative project involving his entire team: Team 7 (“Stress Adaptation and Tumor Escape”) from CRCI²NA, and Team 12 (“MITIC, Manipulation of Lymphocytes for Immunotherapy”), led by Emmanuel Scotet and specializing in immunotherapy. By combining their expertise, they aim to better understand immune responses and tumor evasion in aggressive breast cancers.
“This award honors all the teams involved, including Emmanuel Scotet’s and mine. It’s a great source of pride.” – Philippe Juin
A New Step in Understanding Immunity and Cancer
Philippe Juin’s project represents a further step toward understanding the complex relationship between cancer and the immune system.
“Together, we are trying to understand how the tumor evades the immune system. Once we understand the mechanism, we can find solutions to restore control.” – Philippe Juin
The next phase, led by Emmanuel Scotet’s team, will focus on enhancing the innate immune response against cancer. The study of these issues using innovative techniques paves the way for new therapies to combat breast cancer.
For the researchers, technicians, and clinicians involved, the Ruban Rose Award brings tremendous opportunities for research, helping them progress in knowledge, innovation, and support for team operations, both in terms of equipment and personnel.
1Santé publique France – http://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/
