Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), accounting for up to 20% of all breast tumors, is highly metastatic and more aggressive than other breast cancer subtypes, leading to lower survival rates than other breast cancer types due to limited treatment options. Like other tumors, TNBC secretes tumor extracellular vesicles (TEVs), which promote tumor progression and metastasis, but can also be used as a diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This study seeks to use TEVs to enhance the patient's immune system against the tumor in a specific and personalized manner to support the treatment of TNBC.

About Dr. El-Shennawy:
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.