Investigating the role of DNA repair in the development of cancer, and its translation into cancer risk biomarkers and cancer prevention

Our primary focus is on lung cancer because of its abundance, poor prognosis, and the major role of tobacco smoke in causing it. Approximately 220,000 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed in the USA every year, and an estimated 160,000 patients die of the disease, accounting for nearly 30% of all cancer deaths. Tobacco smoke is the main cause of lung cancer, suggesting a strong link to DNA damage and repair, as many DNA lesions are caused by tobacco smoke, including oxidative lesions. We have developed a panel of three DNA repair biomarkers, measured in blood specimens, which can serve to evaluate lung cancer risk. Additional risk biomarkers based on DNA repair are being developed. The novel biomarkers are tested in epidemiological studies for their performance as risk biomarkers for lung cancer, as well as other types of cancer such as colon and breast cancers. The work includes assay development, basic mechanistic analysis, and involves close collaboration with clinician, epidemiologists and biostatisticians. This approach enables us to investigate the role of DNA repair enzymes and pathways in the development of cancer, and translate those into strategies of cancer prevention and early detection.