Cancer Genomics and Epigenomics

The Cancer Genomics and Epigenomics Program at Columbia’s Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC) studies the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that control genome stability, drive genome rearrangements and promote mutations in cancer cells. Investigators in this group are applying their research findings to identify cancer genes and to improve treatment modalities in chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy.

Major research themes 

  • Genome plasticity
  • Genetics and genomics
  • Epigenetics

Within these key research themes, the program focuses on projects that examine DNA repair, epigenetic alterations, gene mutations/rearrangements and cancer gene identification, in a range of cancers, including breast, melanoma/skin, neuro-oncology and hematologic malignancies. The program aims to develop therapies that translate observations from the laboratories of its members to the clinic.   

In 2019, the program received $20M in direct cancer research funding from the National Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health.

Leadership

The Cancer Genetics and Epigenomics Program is led by: