DCP Early Career Scientist Spotlight Research Seminar Series (Upcoming Research Talks)

Personalised risk in lung cancer screening
Xiaoshuang Feng, PhD
Scientist, Cancer Epidemiology Branch, IARC-WHO

I am an early-career scientist working in the Risk Assessment and Early Detection (RED) team at the International Agency for Research on Cancer. My work aims to optimize cancer screening strategies, with specific topics including multi-cancer detection and lung cancer risk prediction models and biomarkers.

In the area of multi-cancer detection, our work showed that the suitability of stage-based endpoints to replace the endpoint of cancer mortality varies by cancer type, which poses a challenge for multi-cancer screening trials (JAMA 2024). Working in the Lung Cancer Cohort Consortium (LC3), we evaluated the performance of ten lung cancer risk models in Europe (Lancet Digit Health 2024), and across US racial/ethnic groups (in preparation). Also in the LC3, using high-throughput proteomics, we identified 36 proteins for early lung cancer detection (Nat Commun 2023). Integrating proteins with smoking information improved risk discrimination, especially for those are ineligible by current screening criteria (JNCI 2023).

Abstract:
Risk-based lung cancer screening is more efficient than categorical eligibility criteria, but concerns have been raised regarding the different performance of available risk models across populations. We analyzed participants from the Lung Cancer Cohort Consortium (LC3) by evaluating the discrimination and calibration of more than 10 available lung cancer prediction models in identifying the future lung cancer cases and deaths. We further modeled the potential additional benefits of implementing risk-based screening within the French national population. In addition, our proteomics work showed the potential improvement in the lung cancer screening efficiency beyond the current risk-based strategy.

Harnessing studies of diet and the gut microbiome to reduce colorectal cancer burden
Doratha "Armen" Byrd, PhD, MPH
Assistant Member, Departments of Cancer Epidemiology Program and Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center

Dr. Byrd received a B.S. in biology and an M.P.H. in epidemiology from the University of Florida. She completed her Ph.D. in epidemiology at Emory University, where her dissertation research focused on the development and validation of novel, inflammation biomarker panel-weighted dietary and lifestyle inflammation scores, and their associations with colorectal neoplasms. In January 2019, she joined the National Cancer Institute Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics as a postdoctoral fellow. During her time there, she conducted methodologic microbiota studies and investigated associations of the microbiota with cancer risk and of diet with the gut metabolome. In January 2021, she joined Moffitt Cancer Center as an Assistant Member in the Department of Cancer Epidemiology, where she continues to contribute to the reduction of cancer disparities using an integrative, interdisciplinary approach to study lifestyle- and microbiome-mediated mechanisms for cancer risk among diverse populations.

Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second overall leading cause of cancer death in the United States. CRC poses a disproportionate burden among Black individuals and residents of rural or highly deprived areas, who experience higher incidence and mortality rates. The human colon and rectum host trillions of microbes that comprise the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome has numerous local and systemic physiological effects mechanistically linked to colorectal carcinogenesis, though there remain many gaps in understanding among human populations. The gut microbiome may also influence colorectal carcinogenesis via the production and regulation of metabolites. Importantly and of clinical relevance, the gut microbiome and related metabolites are potentially modifiable, such as through dietary intake. Dr. Byrd’s research seeks to elucidate the interrelationships among diet and lifestyle exposures, the gut microbiome, and cancer risk and progression, particularly among individuals who are disproportionately affected by CRC.

EASTER Project Phase 1: Advancing Affordable AI-Driven Systems for Cervical Cancer Screening, Triage, and Treatment
Mary Luz Rol, PhD
Scientist, Early Detection, Prevention & Infections Branch, IARC-WHO

I am Dr. Mary Luz ROL. In 2017, I joined the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC-WHO), motivated to improve equal access to high-quality healthcare for everyone. Currently, I lead an IARC team dedicated to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health priority in accordance with WHO targets. I manage the EASTER project, which tests novel, low-cost AI-based screening, triage, and treatment methods for cervical cancer and precancer in low- and middle-income countries.

Furthermore, I coordinate the "Cancer Screening in Five Continents" (CanScreen5) training effort in 27 countries, including 17 francophone African countries and 10 Asian countries. CanScreen5 aims to help countries collect and use cancer screening data in order to assess and improve the quality of national screening programs.

Previously, I oversaw the ESTAMPA clinical trial. ESTAMPA evaluated several approaches for implementing primary HPV screening and triage of HPV-positive women throughout nine Latin American countries.

Abstract:
EASTER project aims to develop and validate an affordable, AI-driven dual system for cervical cancer screening, triage, and treatment. Phase 1, launched in Harare, Zimbabwe, enrolled 1,100 women by December 2024. Participants aged 25-49 provided self-collected vaginal and urine samples. Vaginal samples were tested with ScreenFire, and urine samples are being analyzed with COBAS and AI-driven FTIR spectroscopy. During colposcopy, cervical images were captured using the nGyn system, the second AI-tool under development to predict precancers and guide treatment. Of 1,090 valid vaginal HPV results, 28% were HPV-positive. FTIR signals were successfully collected locally. Colposcopy attendance is 74%, cervical images were collected, and follow-up is ongoing. External histology review has confirmed 40 HSIL cases. Initial AI training for spectroscopy achieved 82% concordance with HPV ScreenFire results. Further analysis, including urine COBAS and nGyn image data, is ongoing. While FTIR spectroscopy shows promise, additional data is needed to enhance model robustness.

Targeting Aging Biology to Optimize the Long-Term Health of Cancer Survivors
Mina Sedrak, MD, MS
Associate Professor of Medicine, Director of Cancer and Aging Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA

Dr. Mina Sedrak is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of the Cancer and Aging Program at UCLA. His research investigates the mechanisms behind cancer treatment-induced accelerated aging and aims to develop innovative therapies to prevent or reverse this process. Dr. Sedrak’s work, recognized by the NIA with the Paul B. Beeson Career Development Award, bridges cancer and aging to improve outcomes for older adults with cancer. Passionate about inclusivity, he advocates for greater representation of older, frail adults in clinical trials. In addition to his research, he holds key leadership positions, including Vice Chair of the Alliance NCORP Cancer in Older Adults Committee and Chair-Elect of the Research Committee for the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Abstract:
The relationship between aging and cancer is complex and bidirectional. Aging-related processes—such as cellular senescence, genomic instability, and chronic inflammation—not only drive cancer development but also contribute to treatment-related accelerated aging. Understanding the dynamic interplay between aging and cancer may create new opportunities to improve cancer prevention and develop treatments that help protect long-term health. This presentation will explore how cancer and aging interact, highlight new therapies targeting aging biology, and discuss ongoing clinical trials testing these approaches in oncology. Lastly, we will outline future research directions to integrate geroscience into cancer care and improve patient health outcomes.