Research Assistant Professor of Pharmacology
Bio
Lamiaa El-Shennawy, PhD, studies the role of cancer-derived extracellular vesicles in triple negative breast cancer. Dr. El-Shennawy’s work has been published in high impact journals, such as Cancer Discovery, Nature Communications, and Cancer Research. Her contributions and potentials have been recognized by several outstanding awards, such as Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA), Susan G. Komen Scholar‐In‐Training Award, and the prestigious International Fulbright Science and Technology Award. Dr. El-Shennawy joined Northwestern University in 2019 as a postdoctoral fellow then she was appointed the position of a Research Assistant Professor in 2023.
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a notably aggressive variant of breast cancer, accounting for approximately 20% of all breast tumors. This subtype is particularly notorious for its high potential to metastasize, meaning it can spread quickly to various parts of the body, leading to significantly lower survival rates when compared to other types of breast cancer. One of the primary hurdles in managing TNBC is the scarcity of treatment options, which underscores the importance of investigating innovative strategies. Similar to many tumors, TNBC produces tumor extracellular vesicles (TEVs), which serve a dual purpose: they not only promote tumor growth and metastasis but also present opportunities as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This research aims to harness TEVs to enhance the immune response of patients against the tumor in a targeted and personalized manner, ultimately improving the overall treatment approach for those fighting TNBC.
"The Lynn Sage Foundation didn't just fund our research—they believed in us when the work was uncertain. That faith made all the difference in getting this treatment to patients."
Lamiaa El-Shennawy, PhD
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Newly funded researchers pursuing high-risk, high-reward breast cancer studies in their first or second academic positions.
Current
Early Investigator
Frederick Howard, MD
Predicting Breast Cancer Recurrence in the Chicagoland Area Using Artificial Intelligence
Current
Early Investigator
Jeffrey Schneider, PhD
Breaking Barriers in Breast Cancer Therapy Through Individualized Immune Profiling
Why your gift matters
Your gift helps researchers test bold ideas, generate critical data, and take the first steps toward the next major advancement in breast cancer treatment and care.Together, we can accelerate discoveries that save lives.
