The Power of Adaptability: Dr. Russell Broaddus on the Future of Cancer Research and Beyond
By Gayatri Venkatesan
Dr. Russell Broaddus is not only the Joe W. and Evelyn M. Grisham Distinguished Professor and Chair of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) but also an inspiring figure in the field of cancer biology. He has spent decades working to understand the complex molecular mechanisms driving endometrial cancer, a cancer of the female reproductive system that develops when cells in the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, grow out of control.
Dr. Broaddus’s interest in oncology was sparked during medical school, where dynamic lectures on cancer biology opened his eyes to the possibilities of the field. His passion for cancer research began with colon cancer, but it was an unexpected collaboration at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center that shifted his focus to endometrial cancer. Throughout our conversation, Dr. Broaddus emphasized how his willingness to adapt has been crucial to his success. He described an experience early in his career when molecular diagnostics, a laboratory technique that studies genetic material to detect and predict diseases, began to take off. With little experience, Dr. Broaddus accepted the challenge of learning the field from the ground up. “It was like being a first-year resident all over again,” he recalls, but the move proved invaluable to his career.
Dr. Russell Broaddus
With the aim of translating laboratory discoveries into clinical practice, Dr. Broaddus’s work primarily focuses on diagnostics, the process of identifying diseases in patients, and prognostics, the practice of predicting how a disease will progress and the likely outcomes for patients. While his team does not directly develop new cancer drugs, they work on biomarkers, biological molecules that signal an abnormal molecular process or disease. Biomarkers can crucially shape clinical decision-making, as they can help predict cancer recurrence and whether or not patients are at risk for conditions. Furthermore, by understanding which biomarkers are associated with worse outcomes, clinicians can make more informed treatment decisions.
A key theme in our discussion was the importance of adapting to the evolving landscape of science. Dr. Broaddus humorously recalled that some scientists long for the “good old days” in medicine, but he firmly believes that advancements have made the field better. “Adapt or die,” he stated plainly, reflecting on how new ideas and technologies have improved cancer treatment and therefore should be embraced.
One of Dr. Broaddus’s most rewarding projects involved re-analyzing data from the Cancer Genome Atlas, a large-scale program that catalogs genetic information related to thousands of cancer samples, leading to new insights about the role of the beta-catenin gene, which plays a crucial role in cell signaling and regulation. Dr. Broaddus and his team found that in the early stages of endometrial cancer, mutations in beta-catenin are associated with worse survival outcomes. While it is classically taught that mutations in the gene cause the mutated protein to move into the nucleus and activate or inhibit transcription, the process of copying DNA into RNA for gene expression, many endometrial cancers with this gene mutation do not show this nuclear translocation. This complicates the understanding of cancer mechanisms and points toward the necessity of adaptability in scientific research.
Beyond the creation of new knowledge, this adaptability is especially crucial when considering the limitations of certain methods. Drawing from his early career, Dr. Broaddus discussed a project involving the BRAF oncogene, which is crucial in providing instructions for cell growth. If there is a mutation in the gene, it signals cells to divide uncontrollably and leads to tumor formation, which is relevant to both melanoma and colon cancer. Seeing that immunohistochemistry, a laboratory technique that uses antibodies to detect specific proteins in tissue samples, served as a simple and inexpensive test to diagnose mutations in melanoma, his team sought to identify BRAF mutation status in colon cancer samples through the same method. However, immunohistochemistry did not predict BRAF mutation status as effectively, and his team had to accept that sequencing offers a more accurate alternative to telling the story of colon cancer. This instance illustrates Dr. Broaddus’s core philosophy: each discovery in science must be context-dependent. One size does not fit all. While generalizations may seem convenient, they can sometimes lead to inaccuracies.
Having spent years pushing the boundaries of cancer research, Dr. Broaddus’s advice for upcoming researchers is simple yet profound: “Keep your eyes open.” He encourages students to challenge existing norms, question the status quo, and see research as a series of opportunities waiting for the person eager to pursue them. In his view, the field of cancer research is far from saturated—there are countless opportunities for discoveries. He stresses the importance of not being afraid to explore uncharted territories. Whether in the lab or the classroom, staying curious and keeping an open mind is essential for progress.
Dr. Broaddus also emphasizes the value of delayed gratification in science. While breakthroughs may take many years, they are worth the wait because they move the field forward. Furthermore, Dr. Broaddus reminds students that science is collaborative. No major discovery happens in isolation. While individual findings may seem small, they often build on each other over time, creating a collective impact that advances medicine as a whole and subsequently the treatments of numerous individuals.
As he spoke about his career and passion, Dr. Broaddus’s deep commitment to education and mentorship shined through. Having grown up in a household of educators, he values teaching just as much as research. This passion for mentorship is evident in his role at UNC, where he works closely with students and trainees on their research. He believes that the ultimate reward is not just in seeing students graduate, but in watching them make their own contributions to science.
This physician-scientist’s career is a testament to the power of curiosity, mentorship, and adaptability. As a leader in endometrial cancer research, he continues to push the boundaries of what is known, always with an eye on improving patient care. For young researchers, his journey serves as an inspiring reminder that science is a dynamic, ever-evolving field, full of opportunities for those willing to take on its challenges.
References
Interview with Russell Broaddus, MD, PhD. 10/02/2024