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Saint Barnabas Researchers Team Up with British Doctors to Further Colon Cancer Research
Livingston, N.J., Date: July, 2003 – A research team at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, in Livingston, N.J., has teamed up with Cancer Research UK, a prominent British research and science organization affiliated with the Clinical Centre in Leeds, England, on a joint research study on colon cancer. This unique research project involves sending colon polyp samples on a cross-Atlantic journey to England for highly technical analysis. The goal, according to Peter Zauber, M.D., Section Chief of Hematology at Saint Barnabas and a principle investigator of the study, is to better identify possible gene mutations that may be associated with the development of colon cancer. The current focus of the Saint Barnabas research team involves the molecular analysis of a mutation in colon cancer called the I1307K mutation. This mutation has been reported in those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and its presence indicates an inceased risk of developing polyps and colon cancer. “After identifying appropriate patients here at Saint Barnabas, we perform the first round of analysis on the polyp sample in our Diagnostic Molecular Pathology Laboratory,” explains Dr. Zauber. “Samples with a specific gene mutation are sent to England for the next phase of analysis. By studying these gene mutations specifically, we may be better able to determine which are more likely to lead to colon cancer,” he says. “The opportunity to collaborate on an international research project with our British colleagues is very exciting for us and promising for our patients. We have had positive feedback from our patients who are eager to see advancement in this area of gene research,” Dr. Zauber explains. Samples for the study are taken from existing biopsy samples and do not entail any inconvenience or discomfort for patients. Working with Dr. Zauber on this research project is Marlene Sabbath-Solitare, Ph.D., Section Chief of the Diagnostic Molecular Pathology Laboratory in the Department of Pathology at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. In addition to doing research, the Laboratory offers highly specialized testing for Saint Barnabas’ 1,400 doctors as well as analysis for hospitals and private physicians across the state. Services include analysis for patients with lymphomas and leukemias, Lyme disease, infectious diseases, and genetic disorders, as well as breast cancer profiles. Cancer Research UK was formed in 2002 when the two oldest and most prestigious cancer research organizations in England merged. Its specific goal is to “conquer cancer through world class research.” The organization aims to control the disease within two generations. It currently supports more than 500 research groups and individual scientists in the United Kingdom. [ top ] |
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