Endowed Chair, Countess Alicia Spaulding-Paolozzi Distinguished for Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment and Research
Primary Specialty: Breast Cancer
Research Interest: Cancer Genetics/Genomics
The SUM Breast Cancer Cell Line Knowledge Base
Dr. Ethier, a noted researcher in breast cancer biology and cancer genomics, has joined the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and will co-lead the Hollings Cancer Center’s Cancer Genetics and Molecular Regulation Program. Dr. Ethier, a Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, holds the Spaulding-Paolozzi Chair in Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment and Research.
Dr. Ethier’s research explores the genetic drivers of cancer, specifically which few genetic alterations among the thousands found in cancer cells drive a tumor’s growth. While his work has largely focused on breast cancer, Ethier said that causal genetic drivers for one type of cancer likely play a role in others.
“This is one of the most exciting frontiers in cancer research. The genetic focus on cancer means that we’ll be able to develop more drugs that target tumors based on their genetic signatures rather than where they originate in the body,” Ethier said. “This is going to make a dramatic impact in cancer treatment.”
Ethier said that all National Cancer Institute-designated centers like Hollings are significantly ramping up their genetics research programs by investing in scientists and sophisticated DNA sequencing technology that will help revolutionize how cancer is diagnosed and treated. The work he and his team do will have scientific applications across MUSC’s campus.
“We are very fortunate to recruit Dr. Ethier to the Hollings Cancer Center at MUSC. His work will clearly help accelerate our programs in cancer genomics and in our push to have the latest in genome-based technologies on campus for our research and clinical teams,” “He is highly regarded in the field and will have an immediate impact on our research programs across campus.” Steve Lanier, Ph.D., Associate Provost for Research
“Dr. Ethier brings with him very impressive credentials. His expertise and leadership exemplify the kind of excellence people have come to expect from MUSC. I believe I speak for the entire Board of Directors of the Spaulding-Paolozzi Foundation when I say that we are honored to have him serving as the Countess Alicia Spaulding-Paolozzi Chair of this important program, and we look forward to continued advancements in women’s health under his guidance.” Nigel Redden, president of the Spaulding Paolozzi Foundation
