Throughout the 2026–2027 academic year, the University of Liège is highlighting the theme “Clarity, Courage, Creativity.”

As part of this initiative, the University of Liège is hosting Professor Kornelia Polyak for a lecture titled “Breast Cancer: The Role of Heterogeneity and Immunity.”

About the Lecture

Breast tumors are heterogenous - made up of many different cancer cells. These differences inside the same tumor, along with pressures from the surrounding environment, make cancer change over time and harder to treat. “Our research focuses on understanding why tumor heterogeneity matters and how the immune system affects breast cancer growth and progression”, explains Professor Kornelia Polyak.

“We found that more heterogenous breast tumors respond less well to treatment and lead to worse patient outcomes. We also showed that immune responses influence breast cancer development and affect how tumors develop over time.“

During this conference, Professor Kornelia Polyak will discuss the main conclusion of her research: tumor heterogeneity helps cancer grow, spread, and become resistant to treatment. This work has also led to new research tools, models, and possible treatment strategies for hetrogenous breast cancers.

During this lecture, Professor Anne-Sophie Nyssen, Rector of the University of Liège, will present Professor Kornelia Polyak with the insignia of an honorary doctorate.

The lecture will be in English (with simultaneous translation into French). 

Following the lecture, a reception will be held for all attendees.

About Professor Kornelia Polyak 

Kornelia Polyak, MD, PhD, is one of the leading international figures in contemporary breast cancer research. A professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, a researcher at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and co-director of the Cancer Cell Biology program at the Harvard Cancer Consortium, she has devoted most of her career to understanding the molecular, cellular, and evolutionary basis of breast cancer.

Her translational research has always been guided by the goalof ultimately contributing to improved clinical care for patients. Her areas of expertise include the evolution of breast tumors, their heterogeneity, and the factors driving metastatic progression and treatment resistance.

MORE INFO ON KORNELIA POLYAK  

This event is part of the ULiège Major University Lectures series, open to both the university community and the general public. 

More information on ULiège’s Major University Lectures 

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