Ghanaian researcher pioneers neuroscience-driven approaches to combat aggressive breast cancer
As breast cancer rates continue to rise globally, Ghanaian researcher Stephen Opoku is calling for advanced therapies and innovative approaches to treat the more aggressive forms of breast cancer that don’t respond to standard treatments.
Opoku, a Medical Laboratory Technology specialist and Research Fellow at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), is delving into the emerging field of cancer neuroscience, which is reshaping how the medical community understands and tackles cancer.
Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, with over two million new cases each year. While early detection and timely treatment are critical to stopping its spread, certain biological factors, such as blood vessels, actually aid cancer by supplying it with the nutrients needed to grow.
Cancer neuroscience, the focus of Opoku’s research, examines how nerves contribute to tumor growth. “Breast tumors are wired with a chunk of nerves that drive tumor growth and spread to other organs,” he explains. This pioneering research direction could pave the way for monitoring and treating aggressive cancers much like we do with conditions like HIV, COVID-19, diabetes, and complications related to pregnancy.
With over 30 research papers published in leading medical journals, Opoku is already recognized as an expert in diagnostics. His significant research contributions have also earned him numerous honors, including the prestigious Blazer Research Fellowship at UAB.
As Opoku continues to push scientific boundaries in cancer neuroscience, his work brings hope for breakthrough therapies for hard-to-treat breast cancers. He believes that “the future of cancer care lies in neuroscience-driven therapies,” offering promising new options for millions of breast cancer patients worldwide.
