HOW WE DRIVE RESEARCH
Driving Discovery in MEC
Myoepithelial Carcinoma (MEC) is an ultra-rare and aggressive cancer. When our son Sebastián was diagnosed in 2021, we quickly discovered how little was known—there were no standard treatments, no research studies, and no specialists in the field.
At cureMEC, we have been determined to change that. We are laser-focused on advancing scientific understanding of MEC.
Breakthroughs in MEC Research
Everything we fund is designed to get us closer to answers for patients and families like ours—and the research models and strategies we are building may also open doors to new treatments for other cancers. Our funding goes directly toward funding scientists, building preclinical research models, and accelerating discovery—so that better treatments, and one day a cure, become possible.
We've established new MEC research projects at leading institutions
Developed the world's first MEC cell lines
Generated the first-ever genetically engineered MEC mouse model
Created an MEC synthetic cell model
Collected genetic sequencing data for over two dozen MEC samples
Found the only MEC PDX mouse model
Launched the first-ever MEC Biobank and Data Commons
WHAT WE’RE
FUNDING
Targeted Research Grants
Since 2022, cureMEC has invested more than $317,000 in MEC research initiatives—through both our own direct grants and our partnership with the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. Beyond our own funding, we have also leveraged support from world-class institutions—including the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard—to include MEC in their cutting-edge research initiatives. By integrating MEC into these large-scale studies, we’ve expanded access to advanced science, infrastructure, and expertise—positioning MEC within broader efforts that are accelerating discovery across rare cancers.
MEC Biobank and Data Commons
In partnership with the Rare Cancer Research Foundation, we launched the first-ever MEC Biobank and Data Commons. These patient-powered resources give researchers access to the most vital elements for discovery—tissue samples, clinical data, and sequencing data—to help unlock better treatments.
We're not waiting for someone else to take the lead on MEC research. We're building the roadmap ourselves. The research we’re funding today didn’t exist just a couple years ago. There were no MEC cell lines, no biobanks, no studies—nothing. Together, we are changing that.
Every step forward brings us closer to treatments, to knowledge, and to a future where no patient or family faces this diagnosis alone.
New MEC Cell Lines + Lab Models + Research Tools
We’re collaborating with leading cancer researchers and institutions to develop and share essential research tools, including cell lines, genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. These models are critical for studying disease biology, testing therapies, and accelerating preclinical research.
Research Strategy + Collaboration
Our Scientific Advisory Board provides strategic guidance to help shape a long-term, high-impact MEC research roadmap. We’re also proud members of collaborative networks like CANCollaborate, National Cancer Institute’s MyPART, Coalition Against Childhood Cancer (CAC2) and we partner with top institutions, researchers, and nonprofits across the rare cancer landscape to amplify impact.
Get Involved in the Research
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with MEC and would like to be part of this groundbreaking research, you can contribute by sharing your information, tumor samples and genetic sequencing data with the MEC Biobank and Data Commons. By participating, you’ll help advance the science of MEC and ensure that future patients have more treatment options.
Building a Future
Everything we do is funded by people like you—families, friends, and supporters who believe that rare cancers like MEC deserve real research and more informed treatment options. Whether you're a patient, a parent, or someone who wants to help, your support fuels everything we’re building.
Take Action. Find Hope. Drive Change.
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Patients & Families
Recently diagnosed with MEC?
Explore resources to understand your diagnosis, join the MEC Registry, learn about tissue donation and clinical trials, and connect through warrior stories.
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Advancing Research
We partner with scientists, clinicians, and collaborators to accelerate discoveries in MEC.
Access research publications, connect with peers, and contribute to the growing body of knowledge.
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Get Involved
Every voice and every dollar makes a difference.
Join the community, fundraise, donate, and advocate for ultra-rare cancer research—together, we can expand the mission.