Dr David Adams speaks to Editor of Oncology Central, Jade Parker: Based at Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute as a senior group leader, David Adams uses DNA sequencing of patients and genetic screens in human cells and mice to identify cancer genes and genetic interactions. The Adams group studies the mechanisms of cancer development, particularly skin cancer (melanoma) and colorectal cancer. They sequence DNA from families with a high incidence of cancer and also tumors from patients to understand why some people are at greater risk of tumor development and how cancers evolve. The group also performs functional studies in cultured cells and in mice to understand how factors such as DNA mutations and the immune system influence tumor growth.
Keywords: cancer genetics; colorectal cancer; melanoma; tumor development.