Dr. John Carpten named a top minority in science
October 3, Phoenix, AZ--Dr. John Carpten, senior investigator
and director of the Integrated Cancer Genomics Division at the
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), has been named a
"Trailblazer" by Science Spectrum magazine. The Trailblazers are
outstanding Hispanic, Asian American, Native American, and Black
professionals in the science arena whose leadership and innovative
thinking on the job and in the community extend throughout and
beyond their industry.
Selected by the magazine's editors, the chosen winners have all
made a significant, quantifiable, personal impact on the industry
and their communities. Many maintain a powerful position of
influence regarding public policy for minorities in science.
Dr. John Carpten, senior investigator and director of TGen's Integrated Cancer Genomics Division was recently named a "Trailblazer" by Science Spectrum magazine. The trailblazer award is presented to Black, Hispanic, Asian American, and Native American professionals in the science arena whose leadership and innovative thinking on the job and in the community extend throughout and beyond their industry.
"There is an immediacy associated with helping patients with cancer and it is this immediacy that drives my research forward," said Dr. Carpten. "It is a such an honor to be recognized by Science Spectrum magazine and I hope to set an example for other minorities in the field of science."
Dr. Carpten's work at TGen is focused on searching for genetic identifiers that will act as predictors for prostate cancer, a disease whose incidence is three times more likely in African American men and six times more likely to lead to death in that population. He is currently leading the effort to conduct the most in-depth study of its kind designed to scan the genomes of families with prostate cancer to identify genetic risk factors for the disease. Once these risk factors are identified, scientists can use that information to develop diagnostic and prognostic tools to help physicians treat their patients. His research in this area is supported by the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health.
In addition to prostate cancer, Dr. Carpten is also working on adult hematological malignancies, particularly multiple myeloma, a disease that again disproportionately affects African Americans. In collaboration with Mayo Clinic Scottsdale and Agilent Technologies, Dr. Carpten's studies are focused on identifying important biomarkers associated with multiple myeloma development.
He is also the laboratory project leader for the Multiple Myeloma Genomic Initiative, a multi-million dollar research program designed to rapidly accelerate progress made against multiple myeloma by significantly improving the understanding of the biology of the disease. This initiative is the most comprehensive research collaboration of its kind that focuses on cancer genomics. This work is funded through the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium.
"Dr. Carpten is an exceptionally talented cancer investigator with an unparalleled compassion for patients and dedication to finding answers," said Dr. Jeffrey Trent, TGen's Scientific Director. "His work stands at the forefront of bringing laboratory results into clinical benefit."
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About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a
non-profit 501(c)(3) organization focused on developing earlier
diagnostics and smarter treatments. Translational genomics research
is a relatively new field employing innovative advances arising
from the Human Genome Project and applying them to the development
of diagnostics, prognostics and therapies for cancer, neurological
disorders, diabetes and other complex diseases. TGen's research is
based on personalized medicine. The institute plans to accomplish
its goals through robust and disease-focused research.
Media Contact:
Amy Erickson, TGen
602.343.8522
