In order to understand the complexities of how gene mutations affect an ovarian cancer diagnosis, OCRA-funded researcher Alexander Nikitin, MD, PhD and colleagues looked to see which ones drive, or possibly delay, the onset of the disease.

“We found there were various genes that would help the process along, but interestingly, there were other genes that, when mutated, actually inhibited the cancer initiation process,” collaborator Dr. John C. Schimenti was quoted. 

Dr. Nikitin added, “The cancer driver screening methodology we used should be applicable to answering the same kinds of questions for cells and cancers in other organs and tissues.”  

For more information, check out coverage in the Cornell Chronicle and the published study in Cell Reports.