The Labidi-Galy Lab
From pathogenesis to precision medicine in breast and ovarian cancer
In the last decade, large-scale next-generation sequencing of DNA and RNA allowed for a new comprehension of cancer. Each tumor is characterized by specific genomic alterations that include multiple gene mutations, amplifications and/or deletions. These cancer cells interact with different components of the tumor microenvironment. Our lab is focused on the correlation between these genomic alterations, the immune infiltrate and response to therapies in breast and ovarian cancers. We are committed to precision medicine by combining our knowledge about the genomic alterations of cancer cells and the immune composition of the tumor microenvironment in order to develop new therapies. We use digital pathology, laser capture microdissection, next-generation sequencing and multispectral immunohistochemistry to reach our goal. Currently, our main research focus is on BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
Another major goal of our lab is the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer. We are investigating the cell of origin of different ovarian cancer histotypes in order to develop new screening tools of the “silent killer”.
The lab’s research is strongly oriented toward real world translation of these findings into diagnostic and therapeutic tools to improve the lives of cancer patients.
ABOUT US
BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations in breast and ovarian cancer
Germline mutations of BRCA1/BRCA2 genes occur in up to 5% of breast cancer patients and 15% of ovarian cancers. These genes are major players in the repair of DNA double strand breaks. BRCA carriers have therefore increased sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents, such as platinum or PARP inhibitors. We recently showed a correlation between the BRCA2 genotype and response to platinum in ovarian cancer patients. Only BRCA2 carriers, harboring mutations located in the RAD51-binding domain (RAD51-BD), have prolonged treatment-free intervals and longer survival, whereas the other BRCA2 carriers did not show a survival benefit. We are currently investigating the impact of BRCA mutations on toxicity and response to chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.
Tumor microenvironment of triple-negative breast cancer
Tumorectomy of TNBC
Triple-negative breast cancer
Biopsies of TNBC
Ovarian cancer
Progression from p53 signature to STIC to high-grade serous carcinoma.