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Genetics researcher joins HCC to co-lead program


Stephen P. Ethier, Ph.D., a noted researcher in breast cancer biology and cancer genomics, will co-lead the Hollings Cancer Center's Cancer Genetics and Molecular Regulation Program.

Dr. Stephen Ethier

Ethier, a professor of pathology and laboratory medicine, holds the Spaulding-Paolozzi Chair in Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment and Research. Ethier's research explores the genetic drivers of cancer, specifically which few genetic alterations among the thousands found in cancer cells drive a tumor's growth. While his work has largely focused on breast cancer, Ethier said that causal genetic drivers for one type of cancer likely play a role in others.

"This is one of the most exciting frontiers in cancer research. The genetic focus on cancer means that we'll be able to develop more drugs that target tumors based on their genetic signatures rather than where they originate in the body," he said. "This is going to make a dramatic impact in cancer treatment."

Ethier said that all National Cancer Institute-designated centers such as Hollings are ramping up their genetics research programs by investing in scientists and sophisticated DNA sequencing technology that will help revolutionize how cancer is diagnosed and treated. The work he and his team do will have scientific applications across MUSC's campus.

Steve Lanier, Ph.D., associate provost for research, said MUSC is fortunate to have recruited Ethier to Hollings. "His work will clearly help accelerate our programs in cancer genomics and in our push to have the latest in genome-based technologies on campus for our research and clinical teams. He is highly regarded in the field and will have an immediate impact on our research programs across campus."

Nigel Redden, president of the Spaulding Paolozzi Foundation, said the foundations' board of directors is honored to have someone of his caliber serving as the Spaulding-Paolozzi chair. "Dr. Ethier brings with him very impressive credentials. His expertise and leadership exemplify the kind of excellence people have come to expect from MUSC."
 

 

Friday, March 2, 2012

The Catalyst Online is published weekly by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. The Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to The Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.