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New Lung Cancer Test Better Predicts Survival
In the two largest clinical studies ever conducted on the molecular genetics of lung cancer, an international team led by UCSF thoracic surgeons David M. Jablons, M.D. and Michael Mann, M.D., demonstrated that a molecular test can better predict the likelihood of death from early-stage lung cancer versus conventional clinico-pathologic staging.
New Lung Cancer Assay Ready for Prime Time
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David M. Jablons, M.D.
Professor and Chief, Thoracic Surgery
Division of Adult Cardiothoracic Surgery
Ada Distinguished Professor of Thoracic Oncology
Thoracic Oncology Program Leader
UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center
Contact Information
BiographyEducation
- Albany Medical College of Union University, M.D., 1984
- Yale University, B.A., American Literature, 1979
Residencies
- Oak Knoll Naval Hospital, Oakland, CA, General Surgery, 1984-85
- Tufts University/New England Medical Center, General Surgery, 1985-86, 89-91
- Weill Cornell University Medical Center, Cardiothoracic Surgery, 1991-93
Fellowships
- NCI/NIH, Surgery Branch, Surgical Oncology, 1986-89
- Brigham & Women's Hospital, Lung Transplantation, 1992
- New York Hospital/Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Thoracic Surgery, 1992-93
Board Certification
- American Board of Surgery
- American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Program Affiliations
- Member, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Thoracic Oncology Program
Clinical Expertise
- Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma (BAC)
- Carcinoid Tumors
- Chest Wall Tumors
- Esophageal Cancer
- Esophagectomy
- Lung Metastases
- Lung Transplantation
- Lung Volume Reduction Surgery
- Malignant Mesothelioma
- Mediastinal Masses
- Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Sarcomas
- Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Thymoma & Thymic Carcinoma
- Tracheal Tumors
- Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)
Research Interests
- Early Detection and Screening
- Lung Transplants for Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma (BAC)
- Molecular Tumor Profiling
- Targeted Biological Therapies
- Virtual Biorepositories
- Wnt Pathway In Lung Cancer
Biography
David M. Jablons M.D., FACS is the Ada Distinguished Professor in Thoracic Oncology, Chief of General Thoracic Surgery, and Program Leader of Thoracic Oncology at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer. He also is Director of the UCSF Thoracic Oncology Lab.
Dr. Jablons received his medical degree from Albany Medical College of Union University New York. In his fourth year of medical school, he won a prestigious preceptorship at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for clinical science training under Dr. Steven Rosenberg, a world-renowned surgical oncologist and tumor immunologist. This experience kindled his lifelong interest in translational science.
Dr. Jablons began his surgical residency at Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston. He then completed his surgical oncology fellowship at NCI, focusing on tumor immunology and immunotherapy. Dr. Jablons received his advanced cardiothoracic training as a fellow under Dr. Wayne Isom at Cornell Medical Center (now New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center), and at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Medical Center under Dr. Robert Ginsburg. Dr. Jablons also trained with Dr. David Sugarbaker in lung transplantation at Brigham & Women's Hospital.
In 1994, while on active duty in the U.S. Navy, Dr. Jablons served as a commander and Chief of Thoracic Surgery at the Naval Hospital at Oakland at Oak Knoll. In 1995, he was recruited by the UCSF Department of Surgery to build a world-class program in thoracic surgery and oncology. In 1997, Dr. Jablons was named Chief of General Thoracic Surgery.
Dr. Jablons co-founded the UCSF Thoracic Oncology Conference, the oldest such program of its kind and was co-Chair of the 13th World Conference on Lung Cancer in 2009. He is a member of numerous professional organizations including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the American College of Chest Physicians, the American Association for Cancer Research and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). Highly respected by his peers, Dr. Jablons was named to the list of U.S. News "America's Top Doctors," a distinction reserved for the top 1% of physicians in the nation for a given specialty.
Dr. Jablons was recently inducted into the American Surgical Society, the nation's oldest most prestigious surgical organization with membership comprised of world-renowned surgeons from leading academic medical institutions including many Department of Surgery Chairs.
Research Summary
Soon after his arrival, Dr. Jablons recruited basic scientists Biao He, Ph.D., Zhidong Xu, Ph.D., and Liang You, Ph.D. to form the nucleus of the Thoracic Oncology Laboratory. Key areas of research include isolation of lung cancer stems cells, the Wnt pathway in lung cancer and mesothelioma, inflammation in carcinogenesis, and the underlying molecular biology of thoracic malignancies.
The lab recently added four new principal investigators Il-Jin Kim, Ph.D., Hassan Lemjabbar-Alaoui. Ph.D., Carlo C. Maley, Ph.D., and Minh To, Ph.D. creating a formidable research enterprise focused on drug target discovery, commercialization of novel therapeutics and development of genomic assays based on predictive and prognostic biomarkers.
Selected Publications
- Lin YC, Lin CK, Tsai YH, Weng HH, Li YC, You L, Chen JK, Jablons DM, Yang CT. Adenovirus-mediated SOCS3 gene transfer inhibits the growth and enhances the radiosensitivity of human non-small cell lung cancer cells. Oncol Rep. 2010 Dec; 24(6):1605-12.
- Mikami I, Zhang F, Hirata T, Okamoto J, Koizumi K, Shimizu K, Jablons D, He B. Inhibition of activated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT pathway in malignant pleural mesothelioma leads to G1 cell cycle arrest. Oncol Rep. 2010 Dec; 24(6):1677-81.
- Okamoto J, Hirata T, Chen Z, Zhou HM, Mikami I, Li H, Yagui-Beltran A, Johansson M, Coussens LM, Clement G, Shi Y, Zhang F, Koizumi K, Shimizu K, Jablons D, He B. EMX2 is epigenetically silenced and suppresses growth in human lung cancer. Oncogene. 2010 Nov 4; 29(44):5976.
- Ray MR, Jablons D, He B. Lung cancer therapeutics that target signaling pathways: an update. Expert Rev Respir Med. 2010 Oct; 4(5):631-45.
- Okamoto J, Hirata T, Chen Z, Zhou HM, Mikami I, Li H, Beltran A, Johansson M, Coussens LM, Clement G, Shi Y, Zhang F, Koizumi K, Shimizu K, Jablons D, He B. EMX2 is epigenetically silenced and suppresses growth in human lung cancer. Oncogene. 2010 Nov 4; 29(44):5969-75.
In the News
Twenty-Five Department of Surgery Faculty Named to U.S. News “Top Doctors†List
U.S. News - Mar 01, 2012In its most recent survey, U.S. News in collaboration with Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. listed twenty-five (25) surgeons in the UCSF Department of Surgery, nearly one-third (1/3) of the clinical faculty, on the list of U.S. News "Top Doctors". The list, compiled from the opinion of colleagues, denotes the top 10% of physicians within a region practicing a given specialty. Fifteen of the 25 department surgeons were also named by their peers to the list of America's Top Doctors (ATD), a distinction reserved for the top 1% of physicians in the nation for that specialty. The listings are published online at U.S. News. The group rankings are intended to guide patients in selecting a doctor and physicians in making specialty referrals.
New Lung Cancer Test Better Predicts Survival
The Lancet - UCSF News Center - Medscape Medical News - Jan 26, 2012In the two largest clinical studies ever conducted on the molecular genetics of lung cancer, an international team, led by UCSF thoracic surgeons David M. Jablons, M.D. and Michael Mann, M.D., demonstrated that a molecular test could better predict the likelihood of recurrence and risk of death in patients who have undergone surgery for early-stage lung cancer, versus conventional NCCN staging guidelines. In comparison to earlier prognostic assays for lung cancer, this one, according to John Minna, M.D.", Max L. Thomas Distinguished Chair in Molecular Pulmonary Oncology at UT Southwestern stands "head and shoulders" above the rest and is ready for "prime time" clinical use.
New Lung Cancer Assay Ready for Prime Time (Medscape Oncology News)
New Lung Cancer Test Predicts Survival (by Jason Bardi - UCSF News Center)
Thoracic Oncology Lab Acquires State-of-the-Art DNA Sequencer
UCSF Thoracic Oncology Program - Oct 18, 2011
Click Image to Enlarge The UCSF Thoracic Oncology Laboratory recently acquired the 5500 Series SOLiDTM , a next-generation DNA sequencer manufactured by Life Technologies Inc. This state-of-the-art sequencer offers a level of precision previously unattainable, and empowers lab scientists to more deeply probe the underlying molecular biology of myriad cancers: from primary thoracic tumors such as lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and mesothelioma, to metastatic sarcoma, melanoma, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer that has spread to the lung.Insights gained from this research could lead to more effective treatments, and possibly a cure for these diseases.
The UCSF Thoracic Oncology Program, led by David M. Jablons, M.D., has been at the forefront of groundbreaking laboratory and clinical research, and offers expert and compassionate care through its multidisciplinary team of thoracic specialists. The Thoracic Oncology Program at UCSF would like to acknowledge Gordon and Emily Bankhead and the Kazan, McClain, Abrams, Fernandez, Lyons, Greenwood, Harley & Oberman Foundation for their generous support.Dr. David M. Jablons Inducted into American Surgical Society
UCSF Department of Surgery - Sep 15, 2011David M. Jablons, M.D., FACS, Professor and Chief of General Thoracic Surgery and Program Leader of the Thoracic Oncology Program, was recently inducted into into the American Surgical Society. The American Surgical Association was founded in 1880 and describes itself as the nation's oldest and most prestigious surgical organization. Among its members are the nation's most prominent surgeons from leading academic medical institutions, many of whom are Department of Surgery Chairs. Membership also includes leading surgeons from around the world.
Thoracic Oncology Program - The Year in Review
Thoracic Oncology Program - Aug 04, 2011Every July, the Thoracic Oncology Program provides a summary update of its accomplishments during the prior twelve (12) months. The program continues to grow and innovate. General Thoracic Surgery continues to innovate and expand the number of minimally invasive procedures it performs. The program's status as the busiest on the West Coast and the best place to refer complex and challenging cases continues. With a strong multidisciplinary team including UCSF Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Pulmonology, the program continues to offer state-of-the-art care for the region and beyond.
Landmark Study Unequivocal that CT Screening Reduces Lung Cancer Deaths
Los Angeles Times / UCSF Thoracic Oncology Program - Jul 05, 2011Researchers reported in the New England Journal of Medicine that screening smokers and former smokers with spiral CT scans reduced lung cancer deaths by 20%, reaffirming earlier findings in the NLST screening trial. David M. Jablons, M.D., Professor and Chief of Thoracic Surgery and Program Leader of the Thoracic Oncology Program noted the study's significance:
"This is a landmark study and a landmark day for millions of people at risk for lung cancer. This study vindicates numerous pioneering investigators worldwide who have advocated for the utility and benefit of low-dose spiral CT scans for the early detection of lung cancer. The results announced today lay settle the question of using the low-dose spiral CT scan for the at-risk population. CT scans can save lives. It is our hope that third-party payers and insurers will embrace these results which will lead to more screening, a new standard of care and most importantly, saving lives."
Jog for Jill Event Attracts over 5,000 Attendees
Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation - Sep 12, 2010
On
Sunday, September 12 2010, the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation hosted the
second "Jog For Jill" event in San Francisco at Golden
Gate Park in memory of Jillian Costello, a UC
Berkeley graduate who succumbed to advanced lung
cancer in her early twenties. On Sunday, the park was alive
with attendees including friends, family, and members of
the community. The benefit raised over $300,000 to
fund research and raise awareness of lung
cancer.
The UCSF Thoracic Oncology Lab fielded a team, "JabLab 4 Jill", that included Roshni Ray, Aleah Caulin, Vish Nair, and Adam Beltran and raised $750 for the effort. (click photo above to enlarge)Volume Growth as Criteria for Malignancy in CT Lung Cancer Screening
New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) - Dec 03, 2009In a lead editorial accompanying interim results from the NELSON lung cancer screening trial, authors James L. Mulshine, M.D. (left) and David M. Jablons, M.D. (right), discuss, in the December 3rd, 2009 New England Journal of Medicine, the diagnostic utility of volume growth as a tool for determining if lung nodules found on CT screening are malignant.
"The results suggest that the efficiency of the diagnostic workup for lung cancer can be improved by integrating the measurement of volume growth of lung nodules as an indicator of clinically significant lung cancer while limiting the need for additional costly or potentially harmful diagnostic procedures."Read Excerpt (Full editorial & companion article available to NEJM subscribers online)
Opera Star Sings Praises of Targeted Lung Cancer Therapy
KGO ABC7 Video - Jul 20, 2009Last October, opera singer Zheng Cao fell during a performance and had no idea why. Later, it turned out she had advanced lung cancer. Now, as a result of treatment with a new type of targeted therapy, her cancer is retreating. Personalized medicine - that is, customizing the treatment to the patient's tumor -is rapidly gaining ground in the treatment of lung cancer.This has given hope to patients like Zheng Cao that their lung cancer can be successfully treated.
UCSF Celebrates Award of New Chair to Thierry Jahan, M.D.
Department of Surgery at UCSF - Jun 01, 2009The Bonnie J. and Anthony Addario Endowed Chair in Thoracic Oncology has been created in the Department of Surgery in honor of Thierry Jahan, M.D., an Associate Professor of Medicine at UCSF, who will occupy the Chair as its first recipient. Dr. Jahan is the one of the region's most highly regarded thoracic oncologists and sarcoma specialists, known among patients, their families, and colleagues for his deep sense of empathy and compassion. Dr. Jahan co-founded the multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Program with David Jablons, Chief of the Section of General Thoracic Surgery. On July 9, 2009, there was a celebration held at the Kalmonovitz Library at UCSF to honor Dr. Jahan and his appointment to the newly created Chair.
13th World Conference on Lung Cancer
- May 27, 2009Dr. David Jablons, Chief of the Thoracic Section, is co-chairing the 13th World Conference on Lung Cancer, July 31 - August 4, 2009. The meeting will be held at the Moscone West in San Francisco.
Lung Cancer Now Is the Focus of Powerful Genetics Research
UCSF News - Science Cafe - Feb 05, 2009"The lung cancer tissue bank now enables researchers at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center to explore more deeply the role of specific genes in lung cancer, according to David Jablons, MD, chief of thoracic surgery at UCSF and leader of the Thoracic Oncology Program......'There are so many genes that are interrelated that we never suspected had anything to do with one another' Jablons says. "This systems genetics approach to cancer is a whole new frontier.'
Putting Drug Development In Patients' Hands
Wall Street Journal Online - Jul 29, 2008"To find answers, Mrs. Addario and her husband, along with David M. Jablons, her surgeon from the University of California, San Francisco, put together a two-day conference last fall of lung cancer researchers from major institutions around the world. She says the group identified a number of problems that hinder progress toward a cure. Among them: Researchers didn't know what others were doing, tissue and blood specimens needed for experiments weren't centrally located or shared, and the findings of experiments weren't integrated to help assess what the key priorities should be. Mrs. Addario started a new organization, the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute, and hired CollabRx to address some of these issues. The company is helping the institute build a virtual specimen bank where researchers participating in the project can share patient specimens and establish joint standards for collecting future specimens."
Former executive employs skills to fight lung cancer
San Francisco Chronicle, CA - Dec 30, 2007"Bonnie J. Addario is a lung cancer survivor who was motivated to start a foundation dedicated to raising awareness about the disease. 'I was just outraged about the lung cancer statistics, about the fact that 450 people a day die just in the United States,' she said.............David Jablons was one of the four doctors who performed Addario's surgery at UCSF. Because Addario asked so many questions while she was under his care, Jablons asked Addario to become a member of his thoracic advisory board."
Lung Cancer Survivors Find Reason for Hope
UCSF News, CA - Dec 11, 2006Before an overflow crowd at the UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center, members of the Thoracic Oncology Program speak about the challenges of lung cancer and the progress that has been made in finding effective treatments and one day a cure.
UCSF Researchers Fingerprint Lung Tumors, Test New Drug Candidate
UCSF Today, CA - Jul 27, 2006Adding their own contributions to a rapidly advancing field, UCSF researchers - along with colleagues from Incyte Corporation and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center - have described new targets in lung cancer and evaluated a promising new drug candidate that halts growth signals in tumor cells grown in the lab. Their report is featured in the July issue of the scientific journal Cancer Cell.
Brothers in Arms - Working nights at UCSF to cure mesothelioma, spurred by a widower's grief and hard-raised cash
San Francisco Chronicle - Aug 14, 2005"Dr. David Jablons couldn't save Karen Peterson's life or even extend it. But he could give quality to whatever life she had left. That turned out to be about nine months, long enough for her twin boys to see her waterskiing on Lake Tahoe and boogie-boarding in Oceanside and laughing more than coughing."
"Jablons, chief cardiothoracic surgeon at UCSF, was the last in a line of specialists Peterson had sought out coast to coast in a 22-month battle against mesothelioma, the asbestos-induced cancer that had stuck like glue in the lining of her lungs. Of all the doctors she had seen, Jablons had been the most realistic and honest about her chances, so he was the one her husband, Jeff Peterson, called a month after she died."
Cancer survivor takes fight against disease to the streets
San Francisco Chronicle - Apr 23, 2004"Running a marathon without a third of your right lung might seem impossible, but for Mike Wooldridge it's just another day on the road. Diagnosed with a fist-sized tumor in his right lung a year ago, the Pleasant Hill Web site designer was initially given a 10 to 15 percent chance of surviving. Today he's running 30 miles a week, training to compete in his first marathon......."
Choir Director Survived a Rare Form of Thoracic Cancer
UCSF Today - Jun 28, 2002"The San Francisco man has survived a rare form of thoracic cancer called thymoma that had him in a coma for seven weeks, required months of rehabilitation and left him with one lung. Today, he's back at work directing the choir of 30 boys and 12 men at the Episcopalian cathedral, where music is a medium for his continued healing.
Putnam, 34, is alive today thanks to the efforts of a UCSF Medical Center team that included thoracic surgeon David Jablons, MD, who removed the tumor and infected right lung last march, and oncologist Thierry Jahan, MD, who directed his chemotherapy before the surgery ........
