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September 2025
REIMAGINING HORMONE THERAPY
How the Androgen Receptor (AR) is reshaping breast cancer treatment
Thanks to your support, NBCF-funded Professor Wayne Tilley and his team have identified a powerful new focus in breast cancer research: the Androgen Receptor (AR).
Professor Tilley is pioneering hormone therapy research, uncovering how the AR can reshape breast cancer treatment and offer new hope to people. Many breast cancer treatments target estrogen, as hormone receptor-positive breast cancers grow in response to it.
While these therapies help many, up to 30% of patients don’t respond or eventually develop resistance to hormonal treatment. Now, the AR is emerging as a promising new target, showing potential to not only halt tumour growth but also prevent its spread.
“It is important to have a vision that provides hope of eradicating this disease. By advancing novel targeted therapies for breast cancer, we can strike at the heart of the disease and achieve a confident outcome for those diagnosed and their families.”
-Professor Wayne Tilley, NBCF-funded researcher
FROM LAB TO LIFE: STUDIES THAT TRANSFORMED AR RESEARCH
Each date marks a period of research supported through NBCF funding, made possible by your generosity.
2007–2010: AR’s Protective Potential
Professor Tilley’s early research revealed that the AR might help protect against breast cancer – challenging long-held assumptions and opening new doors.
2013–2016: Activating AR in Hard-to-Treat Subtypes of Breast Cancers
The team discovered that activating AR could slow the growth of hard-to-treat breast cancers like Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), offering hope for people with these subtypes of breast cancer who have limited treatment options.
2015–2016: Enobosarm Enters the Picture
They began testing enobosarm, a drug that activates AR without harmful side effects. Early lab results showed it could stop tumour growth. A subsequent clinical trial have shown enobosarm is especially effective in Estrogen Receptor Positive (ER+) and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Positive (HER2+) breast cancers – bringing new hope to people with these subtypes of breast cancer.
2018–2022: Hormone Synergy in Action
By combining AR activation with other hormone therapies, the team found they could reprogram cancer cells and improve treatment effectiveness.
2023–2026: Targeting Metastasis
Now, the focus is on preventing metastasis. ER+ breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed subtype of breast cancer, however, resistance to hormone therapy can lead to metastasis, the primary cause of breast cancer mortality. This research will investigate whether AR-stimulating drugs can prevent or delay ER+ breast cancer cells spreading to vital organs and provide a biomarker of response.
WHY IT MATTERS: YOUR SUPPORT MADE THIS POSSIBLE
This journey reflects the impact of research made possible through the support of people like you. You’ve helped fund research that’s changing how we treat breast cancer and offering new hope to people everywhere.
Together, we’re not just imagining a future with better treatments and outcomes – we’re building it. Thank you for being part of our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
DID YOU KNOW?
What is Androgen Receptor (AR)?
The AR is a protein found in various types of cells, including different breast cancer subtypes. AR responds to hormones like testosterone found primarily in men, but small amounts of androgens are also found in women. For a long time, scientists didn’t think AR was important in breast cancer. But Professor Tilley’s research changed that.
Running towards research and hope
This August, over 400 incredible and passionate fundraisers took on the 42km TCS Sydney Marathon, now officially recognised as a World Major, part of an internationally renowned Marathon series. NBCF was honoured to be the headline charity partner, supporting our very own Team Pink, represented by our 44 Charity VIP runners and 399 general fundraisers – united by a shared vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
So far, Team Pink have raised an astounding $232K for life-changing breast cancer research. Each Charity VIP committed to raising a minimum of $2,400 and in return, received exclusive entry into the sold-out event, turning personal dedication into collective impact.
To celebrate their journey, we gathered on 27 August for a pre-race meet-up. It was an evening filled with connection and inspiration, with expert marathon wisdom from top Aussie finisher, Tom Do Canto, and nutrition guidance from Orlaith Cahill. Runners collected their personalised race-day shirts and heard firsthand how their fundraising is driving progress in world-class breast cancer research.
"Supporting NBCF and knowing we're helping raise funds for breast cancer research makes Sunday’s run even more meaningful. It’s been an amazing experience." – NBCF Fundraiser
To every runner, donor and supporter, thank you! Your energy, generosity and belief in a better future are helping us move closer to our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer. We are so proud to have you in our community.
Real Estate, Real Impact, Real Hope
NBCF Major Partner Buxton Real Estate Group is dedicated to living by their belief that real estate is not just about property – it’s about people. For more than 18 years, Buxton has been supporting NBCF with the hope of creating a better future for the communities in which they live and work.
Last month was no exception, with Buxton hosting their annual Awards Gala to celebrate the incredible achievements across their network, all while raising vital funds for breast cancer research. The evening embraced a stunning Modern Victorian theme, blending the elegance of the past with contemporary style – a tribute to Buxton’s rich Victorian heritage, dating back to 1861.
Through their NBCF raffle and live auction, they were able to raise an incredible $[insert amount]. This is on top of the more than $1.5 million they have already contributed to NBCF over the course of their long-standing partnership with us.
“Supporting NBCF isn’t just something we do – it’s part of our DNA. We couldn’t be prouder of the incredible fundraising efforts across our Buxton network, and we’re honoured to continue playing our part towards the bold mission of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.” - Buxton CEO, Marcus Williams
From morning teas to pink auctions, Buxton’s passion for saving lives shines year-round. We are deeply grateful for their ongoing support and look forward to seeing our shared vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer become a reality.
Welcome to the partner family, pulse charge!
We’re incredibly excited to welcome Pulse Charge, an Australian leader in portable power solutions, to the NBCF Partner Family. Known for their cutting-edge, high-performance chargers, Pulse Charge is stepping up this October to help make a difference.
They're launching limited-edition pink chargers alongside their pink Single, Duo, Family, and Bundle Sets, and donating a portion of each sale to NBCF, supporting vital, life-saving research.
Speaking on the importance of this meaningful partnership, the team shared:
“Breast cancer is a cause close to our hearts. We've personally felt its impact through cherished friends and family – some we’ve sadly lost, others bravely living in remission. With so many lives affected, we’re proud to support NBCF in their vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer”
Thank you, Pulse Charge, for powering our shared vision: Zero Deaths from breast cancer. Together, we charge forward with hope, impact and purpose.
BEYOND THE AISLE
Vetta’s Pink Packs Return with Heart and Purpose
After a successful debut in 2024, Vetta is proud to bring back their vibrant pink pasta packs in support of NBCF. From the factory floor to the front office, this campaign has united the entire team with a deep sense of pride and commitment.
From August through October, shoppers will find Vetta’s distinctive pink packs in Woolworths and Coles. With 5 cents from every pack donated to NBCF, everyday pasta purchases will help fund life-saving breast cancer research.
As NBCF’s first pasta partner, Vetta is passionate about using their platform to deliver important messaging around breast cancer research. With a core audience of women aged 35 to 55, Vetta’s goal is more than raising funds; it’s about raising awareness. That’s why they’ve featured NBCF Community Ambassador Alannah throughout their 2025 campaign, sharing her story to inspire and educate.
“We are proud to be back as an NBCF partner to support their vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer. We were moved and inspired by our meeting with NBCF Community Ambassador Alannah and her partner David. We hope that her story will help others going through something similar, whilst highlighting the importance of funding life-saving research.” -Bill Quayle, Director at Rinoldi (manufacturer of Vetta Pasta)