Skip to content

Biomedical Genetics Professor Stephano Mello Aims to Revolutionize Pancreatic Cancer Detection

Driven by personal experience, Mello is exploring cancer genes like KRAS and p53 to create a blood test for pancreatic cancer. His work could significantly impact cancer prevention and treatment.

In this image we can see there is a label with some text on the bottle which is on the table.
In this image we can see there is a label with some text on the bottle which is on the table.

Biomedical Genetics Professor Stephano Mello Aims to Revolutionize Pancreatic Cancer Detection

Stephano Mello, a dedicated cancer biologist and assistant professor of Biomedical Genetics, is making strides in cancer research. Inspired by his wife's breast cancer diagnosis at a young age, Mello is delving into the intricacies of known cancer genes like KRAS and p53, aiming to predict pancreatic cancer risk and develop early detection methods.

Mello's research centres around understanding gene changes and DNA damage in cancer. He is exploring how a normal cell transforms into a cancer cell, a crucial step in developing a blood test for pancreatic cancer. His work aligns with Exact Sciences' CancerGuard™ project, which is developing a blood test for early detection of colorectal cancer by studying genes like KRAS and p53.

In addition, Mello is investigating ways to boost p53, a gene that plays a significant role in preventing cancer, particularly in individuals with pancreatitis. By enhancing p53's function, Mello hopes to reduce the risk of cancer in these patients.

Mello's dedication to understanding cancer genes is not only driven by his professional curiosity but also by a personal commitment to fighting the disease. His research, focused on predicting pancreatic cancer risk and developing early detection methods, could significantly impact cancer prevention and treatment.

Read also:

Latest