Supervisor:
Program of Study:
Masters of Biology
Project Title:
Evaluation of a 50 gene panel used for identification of actionable mutations in non-squamous non-small cell lung cancers
Research Summary:
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common lung cancer worldwide. In Canada, the clinical management of some types of NSCLC involves screening for driver mutations. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is one way of screening for these mutations. A large amount of data is collected with NGS but only driver mutations are used to decide treatments. Traditionally, driver mutations change the protein that the gene codes for. Recent evidence has shown that mutations which do not result in changes in the protein, known as synonymous mutations, may help doctors predict the clinical outcomes of patients. Currently, synonymous mutations are excluded from NGS interpretation. Our study aims to fill these gaps by performing a comprehensive analysis of the NGS data, including synonymous mutations, and their relation to clinical outcomes. The outcomes of patients who received a smaller screening will be compared to those who received an expanded panel. The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of the clinical trade-offs surrounding expanded mutation panels. In conjunction with other researchers, we aim to provide data that can be used to identify mutations that may be useful in determining the characteristics of a patient’s cancer.
Scholarships and/or Awards:
-
- BHCRI JD Irving CRTP Award – 2022 – 2024
-
- Science Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Award – May 2021 – August 2021
Career Aspirations:
With my masters, I want to merge my interest in cancer biology with the passion I’ve found for translational medical research through volunteering with clinical research at the Saint John Regional Hospital. I feel that my project blends these two interests of mine perfectly and I am excited for the possibilities that I know will open for me. In the future, I plan to either continue to a PhD or medical school. Regardless, I intend to continue furthering cancer research.
Location:
University of New Brunswick-Saint John
Publications:
Varty K, O’Brien C, Ignaszak A. Breast Cancer Aptamers: Current Sensing Targets, Available Aptamers, and Their Evaluation for Clinical Use in Diagnostics. Cancers 13, 16 (2021). https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13163984
O’Brien, C., Varty, K. & Ignaszak, A. The electrochemical detection of bioterrorism agents: a review of the detection, diagnostics, and implementation of sensors in biosafety programs for Class A bioweapons. Microsyst Nanoeng 7, 16 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41378-021-00242-5