Dr. Carol Chen is dedicated to understanding the complexities and finding innovative solutions to high-grade gliomas (HGGs); a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer affecting children and young adults. The new BC Cancer scientist, who joined the Terry Fox Laboratory in 2023, is focused on understanding how mutations in certain proteins, called histones or histone-modifying enzymes, contribute to the development of HGGs.
“By studying these mutations and their effects on the epigenetic landscape, my goal is to identify safer and more effective targets for treating this deadly cancer,” says Dr. Chen. “This research has the potential to greatly improve cancer care.”
Dr. Chen shares that rapid progress in this field has been made possible by advancing technologies. “When I was a graduate student, genomic sequencing enabled the discovery of histone mutations in cancer. Today, these mutations are now being used by the World Health Organization as diagnostic markers for primary brain tumours. New clinical trials have also been designed to specifically target these mutations.”
Despite significant progress, there are still challenges to overcome in understanding HGGs. Dr. Chen notes that HGGs are a diverse disease, and researchers still don't know the causes behind some tumours that lack known molecular features. Many cells from primary brain tumours don't grow well or respond to manipulation, which limits the ability to study and develop effective treatments for them.
By studying the genetic mutations and the impact on the epigenetic landscape, Dr. Chen is working to develop safer and more effective treatments. Although challenges remain, her passion and commitment is paving the way for a brighter future in cancer research.
“My PhD supervisor once told me ‘follow your nose’ - this meant pursuing scientific questions that are interesting and motivating, and finding your own research path,” says Dr. Chen. “This has served me very well, and I have found this type of research to be the most fulfilling. I would strongly urge young scientists to stay curious and find a problem that you would like to solve.”
As a researcher at BC Cancer, Dr. Chen shared her deep sense of pride in her work. “Having trained at UBC as both an undergraduate and graduate student, I consider myself fortunate to be back in Vancouver, surrounded by supportive mentors,” notes Dr. Chen. “I’m proud to be a part of the Terry Fox Lab, which is well-known in the industry for combining stem cell biology with clinical cancer research.”
The scientist’s own research program focuses on brain cancer and neurodevelopmental syndromes, aligning perfectly with the Terry Fox Laboratory’s philosophy of integrating developmental biology and disease research.