Dr. Stanislaw studies various types of cancers, including lung cancer, kidney cancer, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. He focuses on developing innovative testing methods that provide more accurate genetic information from solid tumors, which is crucial for determining the best treatment options. By analyzing genetic changes within tumors, he aims to improve patient outcomes through more personalized medical approaches. His research also covers how these genetic factors can indicate a cancer's likelihood to spread, ultimately offering important insights into managing aggressive cancer types.
Key findings
Using representative sampling, Dr. Stanislaw's study reduced misclassification rates of lung cancer genetic characteristics from 20% to just 2%.
His research on clear-cell renal cell carcinoma revealed that a specific genetic change significantly raised the risk of cancer spreading, correlating this with higher mortality rates.
A new testing method for detecting PIK3CA mutations in lung cancer reached a success rate of staining tissue samples in 100% of cases from surgeries, facilitating targeted treatments.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Stanislaw study lung cancer?
Yes, he focuses on multiple aspects of lung cancer, including improving genetic testing methods that help tailor treatments.
What treatments has Dr. Stanislaw researched?
His research primarily informs targeted drug treatments based on genetic profiling in various cancers.
Is Dr. Stanislaw's work relevant to patients with kidney cancer?
Absolutely, his findings on clear-cell renal cell carcinoma provide valuable insights that can help guide treatment decisions for kidney cancer patients.
Publications in plain English
A protocol for representative sampling of solid tumors to improve the accuracy of sequencing results.
2021
STAR protocols
Gallegos LL, Gilchrist A, Spain L, Stanislaw S, Hill SM +8 more
Plain English This study focused on improving how solid tumors are sampled for genetic testing to get more accurate results. Researchers developed a method called "representative sampling" to use leftover tissues from surgeries, aiming to better capture the genetic diversity within tumors. By using this method, they can prevent missing important genetic changes that could influence treatment decisions.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with solid tumors who need precise genetic information for their treatment options.
Representative Sequencing: Unbiased Sampling of Solid Tumor Tissue.
2020
Cell reports
Litchfield K, Stanislaw S, Spain L, Gallegos LL, Rowan A +28 more
Plain English Researchers studied a new method called representative sequencing (Rep-Seq), which improves how tumor samples are collected for genetic analysis. They found that using standard biopsy samples often misclassifies the genetic characteristics of tumors—20% of lung cancer and 52% of bladder cancer samples were inaccurately assessed. By using Rep-Seq, these misclassification rates dropped to just 2% for lung cancer and 4% for bladder cancer, which means more accurate information about tumors can be obtained for better patient treatment.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with lung and bladder cancer by providing more accurate tumor profiling for treatment decisions.
Tracking Cancer Evolution Reveals Constrained Routes to Metastases: TRACERx Renal.
2018
Cell
Turajlic S, Xu H, Litchfield K, Rowan A, Chambers T +46 more
Plain English Researchers studied a type of kidney cancer called clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) in 100 patients by analyzing a total of 910 samples from both primary tumors and their metastases. They found that a specific genetic change (loss of chromosome 9p) significantly increased the chances of the cancer spreading, with a strong link to higher mortality rates (p = 0.0014). The study also showed that some tumors spread quickly to many body parts, while others took longer and only spread to one location initially, revealing important patterns in how this cancer evolves.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with kidney cancer and their doctors by providing insights that could guide treatment options.
Comparison of methods in the detection of ALK and ROS1 rearrangements in lung cancer.
2015
Journal of thoracic oncology : official publication of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
Rogers TM, Russell PA, Wright G, Wainer Z, Pang JM +7 more
Plain English This study looked at different testing methods to find specific genetic changes (called ALK and ROS1 rearrangements) in lung cancer. The researchers tested 362 patients using standard methods (FISH) and other methods (CISH and IHC). They found that CISH was very accurate when compared to FISH, showing a 97.4% agreement for ALK and 97% for ROS1. CISH and IHC could help detect these changes alongside FISH, making testing more effective.
Who this helps: This helps lung cancer patients by improving the accuracy of tests that guide their treatment.
Oligonucleotide PIK3CA/Chromosome 3 Dual in Situ Hybridization Automated Assay with Improved Signals, One-Hour Hybridization, and No Use of Blocking DNA.
2015
The Journal of molecular diagnostics : JMD
Zhang W, Hubbard A, Baca-Parkinson L, Stanislaw S, Vladich F +9 more
Plain English This study focused on a new testing method to detect changes in the PIK3CA gene, which is linked to squamous cell lung cancer in around 45% of patients. The researchers created a faster, more efficient test that only takes one hour and does not require extra DNA, successfully staining tissue samples from 100% of 195 lung cancer surgeries and 94% of 33 needle biopsies. This improved method could help doctors better identify patients who might benefit from targeted drug treatments.
Who this helps: This helps patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma.
BCL2 antibodies targeted at different epitopes detect varying levels of protein expression and correlate with frequent gene amplification in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
2014
Human pathology
Kendrick SL, Redd L, Muranyi A, Henricksen LA, Stanislaw S +18 more
Plain English This study looked at how different antibodies detect the BCL2 protein in patients with aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Researchers found that two new antibodies (E17 and SP66) identified BCL2 levels more accurately than the standard antibody (124), particularly in high-risk cases where it was missed, which could lead to a false sense of security in treatment decisions. Accurate detection of BCL2 is crucial because it helps doctors determine how serious the cancer is and guides them in choosing effective treatments, especially with new therapies targeting BCL2.
Who this helps: This helps patients with DLBCL, particularly those who are at higher risk for aggressive disease, as well as doctors managing their care.
Whole mount in situ hybridization detection of mRNAs using short LNA containing DNA oligonucleotide probes.
2010
RNA (New York, N.Y.)
Darnell DK, Stanislaw S, Kaur S, Antin PB
Plain English This study looked at a new method for detecting certain RNA molecules in embryos using special DNA probes called LNA probes. Researchers found that these LNA probes can effectively locate different types of mRNAs in chicken embryos, which helps identify when certain genes are active in specific tissues. This method is significant because it simplifies the process of studying how genes are regulated and can lead to better understanding of gene expression in developmental biology.
Who this helps: This helps researchers studying gene function and development in embryos.
The impact of pre-analytical processing on staining quality for H&E, dual hapten, dual color in situ hybridization and fluorescent in situ hybridization assays.
2010
Methods (San Diego, Calif.)
Babic A, Loftin IR, Stanislaw S, Wang M, Miller R +9 more
Plain English This study examined how different methods of processing tissue samples affect the quality of tests used to understand breast cancer, specifically through staining techniques. Researchers found that how long and with what substance the tissue is fixed, as well as how thick the tissue slices are cut, can significantly impact test results. For example, following recommended guidelines of using formalin for at least 6 hours and cutting tissue into 4 micrometer thick sections produces better staining, leading to more reliable test outcomes.
Who this helps: This benefits patients by improving the accuracy of cancer diagnostics and treatment choices.
Plain English This study focused on creating a database called the Gallus expression in situ hybridization analysis (GEISHA) to store and display gene expression information from chicken embryos. The researchers found that the database significantly helps scientists by providing a centralized location for detailed images and data about where and when genes are active during chicken embryo development. This information is important for advancing research in both medicine and poultry science.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers, especially in biology and agriculture.
Plain English This research focused on studying how genes work in chicken embryos. Researchers created a new online tool called the GEISHA database, which helps scientists easily find and understand when and where specific genes are active during the embryo's development. They found that this tool is useful for tracking gene expression, especially looking at microRNA levels, which can provide insights into gene function.
Who this helps: This helps researchers in both biomedical and poultry science fields.
MicroRNA expression during chick embryo development.
2006
Developmental dynamics : an official publication of the American Association of Anatomists
Darnell DK, Kaur S, Stanislaw S, Konieczka JH, Yatskievych TA +1 more
Plain English This research studied the expression of small RNA molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs) in developing chicken embryos. The scientists found that out of 135 miRNAs examined, 84 were present before day 5 of development, with 75 of them showing different levels of expression as the embryo grew. Understanding how these miRNAs work is important because they play a role in regulating gene activity, which impacts how organs and structures develop.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists studying developmental biology and genetics.