Bruce G. Haffty, MD

2007-2008 BCRF Project:
The protein 53BP1 (p53 binding protein 1), found in nearly all human cells and first identified in 1994, has been shown to be an important link in the repair of DNA damage from radiation, and has similarities in structure to the BRCA1 protein. Loss of expression of this protein has been shown to result in increased sensitivity to radiation, and its loss is associated with tumor formation and aggressiveness.

Dr. Haffty's laboratory has observed in breast cancers that expression of this protein is present throughout the normal tissues as well as breast cancer cells, but is lost in approximately 15-20% of the breast cancers. Furthermore, they have observed the loss of the protein appears to be associated with basal-like tumors (characterized as triple negative, ER negative, PR negative and HER2/neu negative), which are more common in younger women with familial breast cancer as well as African American women. The gene encoding for 53BP1 has been characterized, and several genetic changes (polymorphisms) have been observed in the gene.

In the coming year, Dr. Haffty will evaluate the significance of expression of 53BP1 in a large cohort of over 500 women with breast cancer treated with breast-conserving surgery and radiation, to determine the relationship of 53BP1 expression with other variables and outcomes, including local recurrence after breast conserving surgery and radiation. In addition, they will evaluate the genetic changes (polymorphisms) in the gene encoding for 53BP1, to determine the possible clinical and/or biological significance of these polymorphisms in 250 women with early onset breast cancer. Finally, a series of basic science experiments will further evaluate the mechanisms of radiation response and will further understanding of the radiation sensitivity of 53BP1 in breast cancer cell lines.

Mid-Year Progress Report:
Dr. Haffty and his team have found to date, that lack expression of 53BP1 correlates strongly with triple negative breast cancers, and also correlates strongly with distant metastasis. They are in the process of evaluating the gene that codes for the 53BP1 protein, and are also conducting basic research experiments to further elucidate the mechanism by which 53BP1 results in more aggressive tumors.

Bio:
Bruce G. Haffty is currently Professor and Chairman, Department of Radiation Oncology, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Associate Director, The Cancer Institute of New Jersey. His medical school training was at Yale School of Medicine, followed by an internship in internal medicine, residency and chief residency in the Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital. Since completion of residency, Dr. Haffty spent the majority of his academic career at Yale School of Medicine, Department of Therapeutic Radiology, where he was a Professor of Therapeutic Radiology, served as residency program director from 1992 through 2004, Vice Chairman and Clinical Director from 2002-2005. He moved to the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and The Cancer Institute of New Jersey in 2005.

Dr. Haffty's clinical areas of expertise include breast cancer and head and neck cancer. He has had numerous research grants and conducts clinical and translational research in his chosen areas of expertise. He has published over 180 peer-reviewed articles, 25 book chapters, and numerous editorials and letters. He has been listed as one of the country’s top physicians by Best Doctors in America, Ladies Home Journal, Good Housekeeping and America's Top Doctors.

In addition to a busy clinical practice, Dr. Haffty has served on numerous national committees related to research and education in radiation oncology, serves on the Editorial Board of numerous Medical Journals, and has mentored many medical students, trainees and junior faculty in conducting clinical and translational research. He is currently an Associate Editor of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, serves on the Executive Committee of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (ASTRO Representative), Chairman of the Residency Review Committee in Radiation Oncology, Trustee to the American Board of Radiology and Assistant Executive Director of the ABR, and President-Elect of the American Radium Society.