Yale Bulletin and Calendar

November 22-December 6, 1999

Volume 28, Number 14

Center joins effort to create
tests for early signs of cancer

Yale Cancer Center (YCC) researchers have received a $1.3 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to become part of a network devoted to discovering and developing new biological tests for the early detection of cancer and for the biomarkers indicating increased cancer risk.

In all, the NCI has awarded $8 million to establish 18 Biomarker Developmental Laboratories across the country to identify, characterize and refine techniques for finding early warning signs of cancer on the molecular, genetic and biological levels. The laboratories are part of the Early Detection Research Network, which evaluates biomarkers for common cancers, such as prostate, breast, lung, colorectal and ovarian cancers.

The focus of the research at the YCC will be in cancers of the breast, colon and pancreas. Investigators led by Dr. Jose Costa, deputy director of YCC, will perform detailed mutational analysis of specific genes using a variety of technologies, and develop a new technology to detect and quantify point mutations at the cellular level. Other researchers integral to the project include School of Medicine faculty Dr. Paul Lizardi, associate professor of pathology, and David Ward, professor of genetics and of molecular biophysics and biochemistry.

Their analysis will employ a technique developed at Yale called Rolling Circle Amplification, which can be used to either detect or "amplify" (make copies of) single DNA or RNA more easily than current methods. Having multiple copies of DNA or RNA allows scientists to investigate the genetic material and detect genetic alterations present in cancer cells.

"Our hope is not only to detect early cancers, but to do it at a time when chemoprevention will be an effective weapon," says Costa. "We are also working to develop new technologies that will enable us to assess the efficacy of prevention efforts in real time."

Also as part of the Early Detection Research Network, the NCI has awarded a five-year, $1.8 million grant to Dr. Barry M. Kacinski, professor of therapeutic radiology, obstetrics/gynecology and dermatology at Yale, and Dr. David Fishman of Northwestern University. The funds will assist in the development of novel methods of accurately detecting early-stage ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women at increased risk. The focus of the research is the evaluation of early genetic changes and aberrant mRNA expression as potential biomarkers.

Advances in cancer research, including programs such as the Cancer Genome Anatomy Project, have uncovered a variety of molecules, proteins, genes and other biological substances that may be the earliest warning signals that normal cells are on the road to becoming cancerous. The Early Detection Research Network will translate these discoveries into methods for detecting these warning signals and prepare the promising ones for testing in large-scale clinical trials.

"With the creation of the Early Detection Research Network, we are entering a new era of translational research, where the journey from the laboratory to the clinic is a coordinated, collaborative effort," says Dr. Richard Klausner, director of the NCI. "Ultimately, the network will benefit patients by the rapid creation of better tests to find cancer and the discovery of points in time at which to intervene to prevent the disease."

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Yale unveils new TV studio

National Building Museum pays double tribute to Scully

YSN students to learn about life with few resources

Media's quest for truth vital to U.S. society, says Thomas

Endowed Professorships

Ex-senator to discuss search for security in a 'fragmented century'

Yale Rep offers up 'A Cup of Coffee' by noted filmmaker

Peabody's mobile BioAction Lab inspires young 'scientists'

Holiday gift ideas galore available at campus shops

YALE CANCER CENTER NEWS
Symposium honors work of pioneering Yale researcher

Series to focus on compassionate patient care

DNA technology may help pinpoint causes of cancer

Center joins effort to create tests for early signs of cancer

Whiffenpoofs celebrate 90th anniversary

New technique for recording activity inside cells may offer insights into diseases . . .

Yale team is first to turn carbon dioxide into gel form

Astronomy sponsors its first reunion

Donaghue grants to support studies on women's health

Scientists' work may lead to creation of smaller, less costly computers

Student is now big Elm City fan, thanks to internship

Jazz legend Dave Brubeck and his quartet to perform

Miracle play reveals medieval views about St. Nicholas

Harshav to be honored

Two Yale scholars are honored with book prizes from the American Studies Association

Morgan's work featured in annual crafts show

. . In the News . . .