2013 UALC
Zeynep Gumus, PhD
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Research Project:
Identification of Constitutional Risk Genes for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Adenocarcinoma
Summary:
Nearly 20% of lung cancer patients are never-smokers, and a significant risk factor for lung cancer is a family history of the disease. These factors suggest that some families may have a genetic hereditary predisposition to lung cancer. Dr. Gumus has identified a number of candidate risk genes (similar to the BRCA gene for breast cancer), and will be validating her findings in a larger, diverse group of NSCLC patients and controls. The long-term goal of this project is to identify a diagnostic panel for diagnosis of individuals at risk for lung cancer. The panel will allow the development of precisely tailored approaches and therapies for those NSCLC high-risk individuals and their families, improving patient outcomes and reducing overall healthcare costs.