Dr. Michele Carbone discusses the genetics of mesothelioma, and his research in this area, particularly as it relates to the BAP-1 gene. This interview is moderated by Dr. R. Taylor Ripley, Baylor University, on behalf of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
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Michele Carbone, MD, PhD, is Professor of Pathology and served as Director of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, a NCI-designated cancer center from 2009-2014, after being Interim Director from 2008-2009. Dr. Carbone worked at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 1986 to 1994, at the University of Chicago and Loyola University Cancer Center of Chicago from 1994 until 2006, when he joined the University of Hawaii Mānoa.
Dr. Carbone discovered the mechanism of asbestos carcinogenesis and found that SV40, a virus that contaminated polio vaccine, synergizes with asbestos in causing mesothelioma. He studied an epidemic of mesothelioma in Cappadocia, Turkey, and demonstrated the existence of a genetic susceptibility factor. Following up on that research, Dr. Carbone studied U.S. families with high incidence of mesothelioma and he discovered a new cancer syndrome that linked BAP1 germline mutations to the development of mesothelioma, uveal melanoma and other cancers. His discoveries of extensive erionite exposure in North Dakota led to cancer preventive measures and social and community improvements. In parallel studies, Dr. Carbone, in collaboration with Dr. Haining Yang, studied the role of HMGB1-driven inflammation in the pathogenesis of mesothelioma.
Dr. Carbone has published over 150 peer-reviewed papers. His research has been funded through grants from the National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society and the V-Foundation. In 2008, he received the AACR-Landon Innovator Award for International Collaboration in Cancer Research and, in 2014, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation conferred its Pioneer Award on him. Dr. Carbone has the honorary title of Knight of the Republic of Italy for his achievements in science and medicine.
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MesoTV is the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation’s recorded video series covering pertinent conversations impacting the mesothelioma community. You can learn more at curemeso.org/mesotv.
