Breast International Group

Breast International Group (BIG) is a non-profit organization for academic breast cancer research groups from around the world. BIG facilitates breast cancer research at an international level by stimulating cooperation between its members and other academic networks, and collaborating with, but working independently from, the pharmaceutical industry.

History

Founded in 1999, BIG has grown to include 59 collaborative groups from 50 countries and over 10,000 experts. These groups are tied together by a shared commitment to investigating breast cancer, with the ultimate goal of curing the disease.

Research

BIG's research is focused on several key areas. These include the development of new drugs and therapies, understanding the genetic basis of breast cancer, and improving the quality of life for women diagnosed with the disease. BIG's research projects are often conducted in collaboration with other international research groups.

One of BIG's most significant contributions to breast cancer research is the HERA trial, which demonstrated the effectiveness of Herceptin in early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer. This trial led to the global adoption of Herceptin as a standard treatment for this type of breast cancer.

Collaborations

BIG collaborates with other international research groups, including the US National Cancer Institute and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer. These collaborations allow BIG to conduct large-scale clinical trials and to share data and resources.

See also

• Breast cancer
• Clinical trial
• Herceptin
• HER2/neu