Research summary
Cancer develops through a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. But for many patients, the underlying causes remain unclear. To better understand them, Dr. Kathleen Houlahan, Canada Research Chair in Computational Oncology, is investigating how inherited DNA influences the mutations that cause tumours to form, shedding light on why tumours vary at the molecular level.
Houlahan and her research team are analyzing diverse tumour sequencing groups to identify how inherited genetic variants shape cancer evolution, with a focus on immune interactions and tumour mutational landscapes across cancer types and ancestries. By relying on a more complete map of human genetic variation, their research will enable genomic tools to capture genetic diversity more accurately, preventing disparities in cancer risk assessment. Ultimately, they aim to develop inexpensive blood-based biomarkers for early cancer screening and personalized prognosis, offering new strategies to improve cancer prevention and treatment for Canadians.