Dr. David Huntsman

2007 Career Investigator Award, Senior Scholar

Germline and somatic cancer genetics: Tools for population based individualized cancer care

Today's cancer treatment is determined by three factors: the location or site of the cancer, its structure at a microscopic level, and how far it has spread. The Human Genome Project and the development of new drugs targeted against specific features of cancer cells have led to the possibility of individualized cancer care.

Dr. David Huntsman’s clinical practice and research is focused on the genetics and molecular basis of hereditary cancers to streamline cancer susceptibility testing and identify treatment options for hereditary cancers. His current projects include the study of gastric, breast, and ovarian cancer susceptibility.

His work to date in hereditary gastric cancer, including his work as a MSFHR-funded scholar, is shaping the approach to susceptibility to this cancer around the world. His current research program is directed at further developing the full potential of customized cancer care through his projects in hereditary gastric, breast and ovarian cancers and tissue-based biomarker validation.

Success in these areas will lead to a fundamental shift in cancer care and treatment. Integrating each patient's inherited genetic characteristics and the molecular profile of the tumour to tailor specific therapies means better outcomes for those living with cancer.

Read Dr. Huntsman's 2002 Scholar Profile

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