David Huntsman MD, FRCPC, FCCMG

Dr. David Huntsman is a Professor in the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynaecology at The University of British Columbia (UBC) and is the Dr. Chew Wei Memorial Professor of Gynaecologic Oncology. He is a a Staff Pathologist at the BC Cancer, a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, and a Consulting Pathologist at the Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). Dr. Huntsman is currently the Director of the BC multidisciplinary ovarian cancer research team (OvCaRe), Medical Director of the Centre for Translational and Applied Genomics (CTAG) at the BC Cancer, and co-Director of the Genetic Pathology Evaluation Centre (GPEC) at the Jack Bell Research Centre, VGH. Dr. Huntsman research has led to development of predictive and prognostic tissue based cancer biomarkers for ovarian cancer and a wide variety of other tumour types. His team created a blueprint for subtype specific ovarian cancer control and have been leaders in the application of novel genomics technologies to ovarian cancer. As collaboration is critical in his field, Dr. Huntsman happily leads and engages in a wide number of multidisciplinary research groups. Most recently he has been working on the creation of broad based personalized medicine initiative for British Columbia.

Current Research Focus

Dr. Huntsman’s lab studies genetic predisposition to ovarian cancer. This research focuses on understanding the molecular differences between the different ovarian cancer subtypes, which will hopefully lead to more specific treatments. Recently, Dr. Huntsman headed the research group that discovered a new mutation in a gene called FOXL2, which appears to be responsible for the development of granulosa cell tumours of the ovary. Dr. Huntsman has active research programs in the development of predictive and prognostic tissue based cancer biomarkers of hereditary gastric cancer and a wide variety of other tumor types. His team created a blueprint for subtype specific ovarian cancer control and have been leaders in the application of novel genomics technologies to ovarian cancer.

Example Project

 “Molecular Pathogenesis of Clear Cell Carcinoma of the Ovary: Towards Better Prevention and Management Strategies” Dr. David Huntsman and his team propose to take a 360-degree view of this cancer to better understand its behaviour and biology. The research will be empowered by unique tools and a novel hypothesis on the origins of this cancer. The integrated objectives are designed to lead to improved prevention, diagnostic and treatment strategies which will be translated into practice through national and international partnerships. Dr Huntsman and his team propose to undertake 3 integrated lines of investigation that build on previous CCSfunded research, which are designed to discover much-needed prevention, diagnostic and treatment strategies for clear cell ovarian cancers.

Research Keywords

Genomic Pathology, Ovarian Cancer, Molecular Diagnostics, Rare Tumours