McGill University

Patricia Tonin: My research focuses on studying the genes that when inherited confer increased risk for ovarian or breast cancer. Over 20 years ago, two such genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, were discovered through a collaborative effort. Genetic tests are now available to identify women at risk for these cancers to offer cancer management and prevention strategies. Although these genes are responsible for a large number of hereditary cancers, there is evidence that other genes are also responsible for hereditary cancer. By researching cancer families new genes are being identified and their role in hereditary ovarian cancer established. Using tumor samples and cell line models, our lab also studies how genes are disrupted in ovarian cancer development. State-of-the art technologies are used to study hundreds of genes at the same time. The long-term goal would be to identify genes that would guide the development or use of therapies for ovarian cancer patients.