SUMMARY
The research interests of Steven Goodison, Ph.D., are focused on understanding the mechanisms involved in cancer initiation and the progression to aggressive disease. Elucidating the molecular pathways involved in cancer development can lead to the identification of biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis and of gene products for potential therapeutic intervention. Dr. Goodison' s current studies focus on breast cancer and urological cancers.
Focus areas
- Derivation of molecular road maps of tumor progression. Using a range of molecular profiling platforms and the application of advanced computational approaches, Dr. Goodison and colleagues are delineating the multistep process of cancer progression to malignancy. Based on cancer evolution, interactive progression models can reveal previously hidden genetic and molecular associations with cancer and identify biomarkers for tumor biology research and development for potential clinical application.
- Development of noninvasive liquid biopsy tests for the diagnosis and monitoring of bladder cancer. Resulting from previous biomarker discovery efforts, Dr. Goodison and colleagues are developing multiplex immunoassays for the detection of bladder cancer. The automated tests can also be used in patients' post-treatment regimens to monitor for disease recurrence.
Significance to patient care
Better understanding of the progression of cancer into a life-threatening condition will enable early detection of disease and augment clinical management through the identification of diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers and of genes for potential therapeutic intervention. The derivation of molecular road maps can greatly facilitate this. Dr. Goodison's current studies focus on breast and bladder cancers, but the approaches under development are applicable to other cancers and to any progressive disease.
The development of reliable, noninvasive molecular tests has the potential to improve clinical management. Dr. Goodison and colleagues have developed a multiplex urine test that can assist in the detection and monitoring of bladder cancer. Technical development is continuing and evaluation for extended applications — including prognostication and the prediction of treatment response — is underway.