Kwong K. Wong, Ph.D.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Associate Professor, Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Research Interests
- Ovarian cancer pathogenesis
- Genomics
- Cancer signaling pathways
Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic malignancy, and is the most lethal among gynecologic cancers. Ovarian cancer is a very heterogeneous disease with at least four major histological subtypes – clear cell, endometrioid, serous and mucinous.
Pathologically, ovarian cancer was recently divided into Type I and Type II subgroups. Type I tumors include low-grade micropapillary serous carcinoma, mucinous, endometrioid and clear cell carcinomas and are characterized by high frequency of KRAS, BRAF, PTEN or beta-catenin mutations. Type II tumors include high-grade serous carcinoma, malignant mixed mesodermal tumors (carcinosarcomas) and undifferentiated carcinomas and are characterized by high genetic instability and high frequency of TP53 mutation.
Using a genomic approach, we have identified specific molecular signatures for each type of ovarian cancer. Our current efforts address the importance of various gene mutations, chromosomal aberrations and signaling pathways involved in the initiation, progression and invasion of ovarian cancer.
Contact Information
Phone: 713-792-0229
E-mail: kkwong@mdanderson.org
Publications
View a complete list of publications.