Dr. Nalan Gokgoz

Research Associate

Characterization of Molecular Alterations in Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma

We have been investigating the clinical importance of molecular alterations in bone and soft tissue sarcomas (STS) taking advantage of our Sarcoma Tumor Bank. We have studied changes in individual candidate genes including RB1, P53, MDM2, and MDR1. More recently we have used gene expression micro-array techniques to compare patterns of gene expression in various sub-groups of sarcomas and to determine whether different patterns predict the development of metastatic disease. We identified an expression pattern associated with the presence of metastatic disease at presentation in osteosarcoma (OSA) and are evaluating patterns in OSA that are not metastatic at presentation and in select sub-types of STS. Identification of gene expression patterns associated with a high risk of metastases will have two major clinical impacts: i) intensification of therapy will be initiated earlier in patients recognized as high risk for metastases; ii) novel therapies may be developed based on pathways that are activated in metastatic tumours.