Thoracic Oncology Lab News

Lung Cancer Systems Genetics Expands Map of Drug Discovery

In the journal Nature Communications, lead author  Il-Jin Kim, Ph.D., (pictured left) Director of Applied Genomics in the UCSF Thoracic Oncology Lab, Thoracic Oncology Program Leader, David M. Jablons, M.D., (pictured right) and others, demonstrate the value of mining vast gene expression networks to expand the pool of therapeutic targets in lung cancer. This could lead to the discovery of  novel druggable targets specific to lung adenocarcinoma, sparing normal lung tissue, and to anti-cancer drugs with minimal side toxicity yet with high tumor killing efficacy. 

Il-Jin Kim Awarded Grant to Investigate Novel Genetic Profiles in Mesothelioma

The Mesothelioma Applied   Research Foundation (MARF), a leading national funder of research for this disease, has awarded Il-Jin Kim, Ph.D.,  Assistant Professor and  Director of Applied Genomics in the  Thoracic Oncology Laboratory, a grant to study Novel fusion and tumor-specific isoform candidates in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), an aggressive and highly lethal cancer, with the ultimate goal of identifying therapeutic targets. The research focuses on a class of patient who lack the three most common genetic deletions (CDKN2A, NF2, and BAP1). Studying the unique genetic profile of this so-called triple-negative (TN) MPM patient population may reveal unique genetic characteristics and oncogenic fusions contributing to MPM development. The goal would be to target the aberrant cancer-inducting activity in this small group of patients with novel therapies. This is a similar approach to the identification of the EML4-ALK fusion genes in non-small cell lung cancer patients, leading to the novel therapy crizotinib, an example of 21st century precision medicine.

Decorative Arts Auction to Benefit Lung Cancer Research at UCSF

Molecular Test Identifies Early-Stage Lung Cancer Patients at High Risk of Death After Surgery

Building on their  earlier work reported in The Lancet, two UCSF thoracic surgeons   David M. Jablons, M.D. (left) and   Michael Mann, M.D. (middle), and  Johannes Kratz, M.D. (right) a former surgical resident in the  Thoracic Oncology Lab, showed they could accurately stratify patients even with the earliest stage of lung cancer into groups at low-, intermediate- or high-risk of death based solely on the activity of 14 different genes found in their tumors. The group analyzed lung  tumors of patients diagnosed as Stage 1A  (T1a node-negative non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC)), the earliest stage of the disease. One-quarter (1/4) of these patients will die within 5 years of their operation despite having apparently successful surgery. Current practice guidelines suggests consideration of adjuvant chemotherapy in high-risk stage I tumors, but the guidelines do not aid in the identification of high-risk T1a tumors.

NIH Awards $2.2m Collaborative Grant to Two UCSF Scientists

The NIH has awarded two UCF scientists, Hassan Lemjabbar-Alaoui, Ph.D and Joanna J. Phillips, M.D., Ph.D., a five-year $2.2m grant to study the clinical utility of extracellular heparan sulfate endosulfatases, or SULFs, as biomarkers for early detection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and malignant astrocytoma. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and world-wide. Astrocytomas are primary brain neoplasms (tumors). Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and malignant primary brain tumor, was responsible for the death of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy. The U01 mechanism that funded this grant, also known as a collaborative R01, is reserved for highly innovative cross-disciplinary projects that hold great promise for scientific advancements. Here Dr. Alaoui, an Assistant Adjunct Professor of Surgery, and a member of the UCSF Thoracic Oncology Program and Thoracic Oncology Lab, has teamed with Dr. Phillips, an Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery and Pathology and Co-Director of the Brain Tumor Research Center Tissue Bank, to investigate plasma levels of SULFs, which are overexpressed in each of these lethal cancers. 

"Inside Surgery", The Department of Surgery Newsletter, Summer 2012

This issue of Inside Surgery describes several exciting developments that are advancing our ability to provide outstanding care for a range of patients including the new Hepatobiliary Service, under the direction of  Carlos Corvera, M.D., which provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients with liver and bile duct disease. Other topics include updates on  Endocrine Surgery, San Fancisco General Hospital's Wraparound Project, and notable rankings of our surgeons within U.S. News & World Report annual update.

Mulitgene Assay Better Predictor of Survival than Conventional Staging

In the two largest clinical studies ever conducted on the molecular genetics of lung cancer, an international team, led by UCSF thoracic surgeons David M. Jablons, M.D. and Michael Mann, M.D., demonstrated that a 14-gene prognostic molecular assay better predicted the likelihood of death in early-stage lung cancer  patients versus conventional staging guidelines. Johannes Kratz, M.D., a former surgical resident in the  Thoracic Oncology Laboratory, helped spearhead the  development of the assay and was lead author of a paper published in The Lancet discussing the results. John Minna, M.D.", Max L. Thomas Distinguished Chair in Molecular Pulmonary Oncology at UT Southwestern lauded the results, stating that the assay was  "head and shoulders" above the rest and ready for "prime time" clinical use.

UCSF-Pfizer Collaboration Project to Fast-Track Treatments for Lung Cancer

A team consisting of Hassan Lemjabbar-Alaoui, Ph.D.,  Assistant Adjunct Professor of Surgery and principal Investigator in the Thoracic Oncology Laboratory and Alaoui Lab, and Steven Rosen, PhD, Professor and Vice-chair of the Department of Anatomy, are developing a novel treatment for lung cancer in a unique collaboration between UCSF and Pfizer, the world's largest drug company. The Rosen-Alaoui team has identified an enzyme found at high levels in lung and other cancers and is developing antibodies to target the enzyme and disable the cancer, even in cells rendered cancerous by cigarette smoke.The partnership enables the teams to combine their unique areas of expertise to push the pace of development, Rosen said. "That's the whole idea: merge our strengths and speed the process along, compared to what either party could do alone." 

2011 Porsche Race Car Classic Held with Theme of Driving Lung Cancer Off the Planet

On October 16th, the Porsche Race Car Classic was held at at the Quail Lodge in Napa, CA.  The event, a collaboration with Porsche AG and Porsche Cars North America, was hosted by the UCSF Thoracic Oncology Program and Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation. Proceeds from the highly successful event benefited the respective hosts. The theme, "Driving Lung Cancer Off the Planet", was underscored in a video produced by the Thoracic Oncology Program in connection with the event. Narrated by David M. Jablons, M.D., FACS, the video likens the passion that went into the development of the Porsche, the quintessential automotive vehicle, with the passion of UCSF scientists at Thoracic Oncology Lab as it seeks to eradicate the world's number one cancer killer, lung cancer.

Selected Videos & Photos

A Passion for Research (Narrated by David M. Jablons, M.D., FACS with visuals from the Thoracic Oncology Lab)

Porsche Race Car Classic - Quail Lodge - October 16, 2011 (An Ensemble Tour of Stunning Porsche Automobiles)

Images of Event on Flickr (Courtesy Regan Botsford)

Thoracic Oncology Lab Acquires State-of-the-Art DNA Sequencer

The UCSF Thoracic Oncology Laboratory recently acquired the 5500 Series SOLiDTM , a next-generation DNA sequencer manufactured by Life Technologies Inc. This state-of-the-art sequencer offers a level of precision  previously unattainable, and empowers lab scientists to more deeply probe the underlying molecular biology of myriad cancers: from primary thoracic tumors such as lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and mesothelioma, to metastatic sarcoma, melanoma, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer that has spread to the lung.Insights gained from  this research could lead to more effective treatments, and possibly a cure for these diseases.

The UCSF Thoracic Oncology Program, led by David M. Jablons, M.D., has been at the forefront of groundbreaking laboratory and clinical research, and offers expert and compassionate care through its multidisciplinary team of thoracic specialists. The Thoracic Oncology Program at UCSF would like to acknowledge Gordon and Emily Bankhead and the Kazan, McClain, Abrams, Fernandez, Lyons, Greenwood, Harley & Oberman Foundation for their generous support.

Dr. David M. Jablons Inducted into American Surgical Society

David M. Jablons, M.D., FACS, Professor and Chief of General Thoracic Surgery and Program Leader of the Thoracic Oncology Program, was recently inducted into into the American Surgical Society. The American Surgical Association was founded in 1880 and describes itself as the nation's oldest and most prestigious surgical organization. Among its members are the nation's most prominent surgeons from leading academic medical institutions, many of whom are Department of Surgery Chairs. Membership also includes leading surgeons from around the world.

Thoracic Oncology Program - The Year in Review

Every July, the Thoracic Oncology Program provides a summary update of its accomplishments during the prior twelve (12) months. The program  continues to grow and innovate.  General Thoracic Surgery continues to innovate and expand the number of minimally invasive procedures it performs. The program's status as the busiest on the West Coast and the best place to refer complex and challenging cases continues. With  a strong multidisciplinary team including UCSF Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Pulmonology, the program continues to offer state-of-the-art care for the region and beyond.

Landmark Study Unequivocal that CT Screening Reduces Lung Cancer Deaths

Researchers reported in the New England Journal of Medicine that screening smokers and former smokers with spiral CT scans reduced  lung cancer deaths by 20%, reaffirming earlier findings in the NLST screening trial. David M. Jablons, M.D., Professor and Chief of Thoracic Surgery and Program Leader of the Thoracic Oncology Program noted the study's significance:

"This is a landmark study and a landmark day for millions of people at risk for lung cancer. This study vindicates numerous pioneering investigators worldwide who have advocated for the utility and benefit of low-dose spiral CT scans for the early detection of lung cancer. The results announced today lay settle the question of using the low-dose spiral CT scan for the at-risk population. CT scans can save lives. It is our hope that third-party payers and insurers will embrace these results which will lead to more screening, a new standard of care and most importantly, saving lives."

The Relationship Between Cancer Evolution & Drug Resistance

In a far ranging interview with UCSF reporter Jeffrey Norris, Carlo C. Maley, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Surgery in the Thoracic Oncology Program, discussed cancer evolution, drug resistance, and the development of new treatment strategies. "The problem of building a multi-cellular organism is really the problem of suppressing cancer," said Dr. Maley, an expert in both evolutionary biology and bioinformatics. "How do you get cells to stop proliferating and to devote their resources to the good of the larger organism?"

Thoracic Oncology Program Launches Lab Collaboration in China

The UCSF Thoracic Oncology Laboratory, led by David Jablons, M.D., Professor and Chief of Thoracic Surgery and Program Leader of Thoracic Oncology, recently launched its first Lung Cancer Joint Laboratory in China, an alliance with Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease (China National Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease) and the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College. A signing ceremony was held in Guangzhou, China.