Inside the latest GRASP Huddles: What We’ve Been Learning Together

Over the past few months, GRASP has hosted a series of Huddles—our stand-alone, small-group discussions—that brought world-renowned scientists and patient advocates together to explore emerging research in breast cancer. While our sessions are intentionally intimate and never recorded, we want to share a glimpse into what we’ve been up to—and celebrate the science, the stories, and the voices that make these conversations so powerful.

Postpartum Breast Cancer: From Walkthrough to Deep Dive

We began 2025 with this January Huddle, which grew from a powerful SABCS Poster Walkthrough conversation and brought together five patient advocates and four scientists to continue the dialogue on postpartum breast cancer (PPBC).

Returning to the conversation were Dr. Tasneem Bawa-Khalfe, Dr. Samaneh Karami, and Lauren Cozzens, Ph.D. candidate—alongside special guest Dr. Traci Lyons, associate professor in the CU Division of Medical Oncology. Dr. Lyons, whose groundbreaking work focuses on the molecule SEMA7A—a key player in promoting metastasis and treatment resistance—helped bridge personal experience and scientific insight with clarity and compassion.

The discussion also highlighted The Project to End Postpartum Breast Cancer (PPBC), a new initiative gaining momentum in the research space that has the potential to transform how we approach PPBC prevention. Altogether, the session reflected the power of collaboration and the urgent need for more attention and resources in this area of breast cancer research.

Advancing Research in Male Breast Cancer

In March, Dr. Jose Pablo Leone, medical oncologist and clinical investigator at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, led a rich discussion on the ETHAN Trial, which compares different endocrine therapies for men with breast cancer.

Dr. Leone, whose work also spans brain metastases and novel breast cancer therapies, helped shed light on the unique biology of male breast cancer and the importance of clinical trials designed specifically for this underrepresented group.

The conversation was facilitated by our GRASP mentor Bob Riter, MHSA, who has been active in cancer advocacy and education since his diagnosis with breast cancer in 1996.

Immunotherapy Treatments in Breast Cancer Liver Metastases

Our most recent Huddle featured Dr. Michelle Williams, Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, whose lab is tackling one of the most challenging areas in metastatic breast cancer: liver metastases.

Dr. Williams shared how her team uses both patient samples and preclinical models to understand why this site often resists immunotherapy—and how tumor metabolism may be driving immune suppression.

The advocates in this session expressed how rare it is to see focused research on liver mets, and the conversation sparked meaningful insights for Dr. Williams to carry into her research. Even more inspiring? The Williams Lab is committed to integrating patient voices into the core of the lab’s work—both now and as Dr. Williams mentors the next generation of researchers.

More Huddles to Come!

Each of these Huddles reflects what makes GRASP special: thoughtful science, patient-centered dialogue, and a genuine commitment to moving research forward together.

We’re always exploring new topics and collaborations to bring to our community. Be sure to visit our Huddle page regularly to see upcoming discussions—and join us as we continue connecting people, research, and real-life experience in meaningful ways.