By News Desk Editorial Staff
As the metastatic breast cancer (MBC) community looks toward the horizon of 2026, the urgency for breakthrough research remains as pressing as ever. Kelly Shanahan, M.D., President of METAvivor, has officially signaled the opening of the organization’s 2026 grant cycle, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing quest to transform MBC from a terminal diagnosis into a chronic, manageable condition. In a wide-ranging update, Dr. Shanahan touched upon the shifting landscape of federal funding, the intricacies of clinical trial participation, and the critical importance of grassroots community involvement.
I. Main Facts: The 2026 Grant Cycle and Research Oversight
At the core of the organization’s mission is the strategic allocation of research funds. With the 2026 grant cycle now officially open, the research community—and those connected to it—are encouraged to review application protocols.
The volume of interest in METAvivor’s funding programs has seen a significant surge; the previous year saw a doubling of Letters of Intent (LoIs), a metric that underscores both the desperate need for specialized funding and the high level of scientific ambition within the oncology sector. This influx of interest presents a logistical challenge for the organization, which relies heavily on a peer-review model.
METAvivor is currently issuing a call to action for both scientists and, crucially, patients to participate in the review of LoIs and full grant applications. This "patient-in-the-loop" model ensures that research remains tethered to the lived experience of those the science is intended to help. Those interested in contributing to this oversight process are encouraged to review the application and review guidelines.
II. Chronology: The Journey from Tahoe to Nashville
The professional and personal lives of leaders in the MBC space are often inextricably linked. Dr. Shanahan’s own experience serves as a testament to the realities of navigating the clinical trial landscape.
Writing from Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. Shanahan shared insights into her current participation in a clinical trial at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute. Her account highlights the "financial and time toxicity" inherent in specialized care. For patients, the geographic disparity of clinical trials often necessitates grueling travel—flying across the country, leaving behind support systems, and navigating unfamiliar medical infrastructures.
While Dr. Shanahan expressed a desire to transition her care closer to her home in California—a region recently battered by severe winter weather—she underscored the value of the experience. By observing operations at a different cancer center, she gained a broader perspective on how institutional clinical trial models function. This cross-pollination of knowledge is vital for leaders who are tasked with evaluating research efficacy on a national scale. Her observations also serve as a reminder that behind every policy, funding decision, and clinical report is a patient navigating the logistical hurdles of modern medicine.
III. Supporting Data: Investigating Oligometastatic HER2+ MBC
A key highlight of the current research landscape is a new trial led by Dr. Lior Braunstein at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK). The study is designed to explore the efficacy of an aggressive, multi-modal approach for patients with oligometastatic (minimal metastases) HER2+ MBC.
The trial aims to answer a critical question: Can the combination of surgery to remove the primary breast tumor and targeted radiation to metastatic sites significantly improve long-term outcomes?
- Study Focus: Oligometastatic HER2+ metastatic breast cancer.
- Intervention: Surgical resection of primary tumor + radiation to metastatic sites.
- Current Status: The trial is currently active at MSK sites in New York and New Jersey.
- Future Outlook: While currently localized to the Northeast, there is potential for geographic expansion, contingent on the trial’s initial findings and logistical viability.
This research represents a shift toward precision oncology, where treatment is tailored not just to the biology of the cancer, but to the specific tumor burden of the individual patient.
IV. Official Responses: The Role of Federal Funding
The future of MBC research is heavily influenced by the federal budget. Dr. Shanahan noted a cautious optimism regarding proposed increases in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Historically, federal funding has been the bedrock of oncological discovery. However, the gap between proposed increases and actual appropriations remains a point of concern for advocates. METAvivor maintains that for the progress made in the private sector to be sustained, robust federal support for foundational research is non-negotiable. The organization remains committed to lobbying for these increases, ensuring that the "pipe" of innovation—from laboratory bench to clinical trial—remains open and well-resourced.
V. Implications: Community Engagement and Sustainability
The sustainability of METAvivor’s mission relies on a robust ecosystem of supporters, fundraisers, and volunteers. Dr. Shanahan emphasized that the organization is looking to scale its efforts in three key areas:
Fundraising and Event Coordination
As 2026 approaches, the organization is streamlining its support for third-party fundraisers. Supporters planning events are urged to contact [email protected] to ensure their efforts are aligned with the organization’s calendar and to utilize proven fundraising platforms. Those looking for guidance on how to maximize the impact of their events can consult the fundraising FAQs.
Expanding Peer-to-Peer Support
Recognizing that the psychological toll of an MBC diagnosis requires community-based intervention, METAvivor is actively seeking to expand its peer-to-peer support groups. These groups, which are led by trained volunteers, provide a safe harbor for patients to share experiences, treatment tips, and emotional support. The organization is currently recruiting individuals interested in leadership roles within these groups.
Governance and Committee Participation
Beyond individual advocacy, the organization is seeking volunteers to join its various committees. This structural support is essential for managing the increased complexity of the grant-making process and ensuring that the organization’s administrative duties remain as efficient as its research objectives.
VI. Conclusion: A Call for Continued Vigilance
As the seasons change and the country moves further into the 2026 calendar year, the message from METAvivor’s leadership is clear: the fight against metastatic breast cancer is a collective endeavor. Whether through participating in a clinical trial, reviewing a research grant, or organizing a local fundraiser, every action taken by the community serves to dismantle the barriers that currently limit treatment options.
Dr. Shanahan’s dual role as both a leader and a patient provides a unique, grounded perspective on the state of the art in breast cancer care. By bridging the gap between high-level research policy and the daily realities of patient life, METAvivor continues to push the boundaries of what is possible.
For those looking to engage, the path forward is multifaceted. Whether through the grant application portal, the volunteer coordination desk, or by simply staying informed through the monthly newsletter, the community is encouraged to remain active, vocal, and persistent. As Dr. Shanahan noted, while the weather—both literal and metaphorical—may be challenging for many at this time of year, the resolve of the community remains steadfast. Progress is not just hoped for; it is being built, one grant and one trial at a time.
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