Researcher Aims to Boost Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer

Catherine Rono's work at Roswell Park explores how targeting metabolic pathways can enhance the body's cancer-fighting abilities.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:00am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the intricate internal structures of a dendritic cell, conceptually illustrating the importance of these immune cells in cancer immunotherapy research.Dendritic cells, the immune system's 'professional' antigen presenters, are the focus of Catherine Rono's research to enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies.Buffalo Today

Catherine Rono, a postdoctoral researcher at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, is working to improve immunotherapy treatments for breast cancer, particularly triple-negative breast cancer which disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic women. Rono's research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors by targeting metabolic pathways in dendritic cells, key immune system cells that activate cancer-fighting T cells.

Why it matters

Rono's work sits at the intersection of immunology and metabolism, an area that is often overlooked but holds great potential for advancing cancer treatment. By exploring how to boost the body's own cancer-fighting abilities, her research aims to improve outcomes for patients, especially those with hard-to-treat breast cancers. Additionally, her focus on addressing racial and ethnic disparities in cancer care is crucial for ensuring equitable access to the latest treatments.

The details

Rono is currently investigating the use of the drug brequinar to target the nucleotide synthesis pathway in dendritic cells, with the goal of strengthening their ability to activate T cells against cancer. If successful, this could lead to more effective immunotherapy options, particularly for triple-negative breast cancer. Rono is also committed to incorporating diverse perspectives into her research, working closely with patient advocates to build trust and improve study design.

  • Rono began her postdoctoral research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in 2023.
  • Her current project on dendritic cell metabolism and immunotherapy for breast cancer is ongoing.

The players

Catherine Rono

A postdoctoral researcher at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, whose work focuses on improving immunotherapy treatments for breast cancer, particularly triple-negative breast cancer.

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

A prestigious cancer research institution where Rono conducts her work, located in Buffalo, New York.

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What they’re saying

“While many are aware of the importance of cancer research, the intricate connection between immunology and metabolism is often overlooked.”

— Catherine Rono, Postdoctoral Researcher

“By incorporating diverse perspectives, we can build trust, improve study design, and promote equitable access to clinical trials.”

— Catherine Rono, Postdoctoral Researcher

What’s next

Rono's current project on using brequinar to target dendritic cell metabolism is ongoing, and the results of her research could lead to the development of more effective immunotherapy options for breast cancer patients.

The takeaway

Rono's work at the intersection of immunology and metabolism holds great promise for advancing cancer treatment, particularly for hard-to-treat breast cancers like triple-negative. Her commitment to addressing racial and ethnic disparities in cancer care and incorporating diverse perspectives into her research is crucial for ensuring equitable access to the latest treatments.