The Best of the AACR Journals Collection: Author Profiles

Bryson Katona

Title & Affiliation:
Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director, Gastrointestinal Cancer Genetics Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

Most-cited Article:
Upper Endoscopic Surveillance in Lynch Syndrome Detects Gastric and Duodenal Adenocarcinomas

Q: What is your primary area of study/research?
A: Hereditary gastrointestinal cancer predisposition syndromes.

Q: What influenced your decision to embark on a research career?
A: I have always been interested in asking and answering questions, which ultimately led me to pursue a career in research. Along those lines, to me being a physician-scientist is the ultimate privilege, as I have the opportunity to ask questions and do research about the high-risk population of patients that I see clinically.

Q; What excites you most about your research area?
A: Given the extremely high cancer risk of patients with hereditary gastrointestinal cancer predisposition syndromes, there is such a great need for better prevention and early detection strategies for these individuals. I am excited by the prospect of research in this area leading to decreased incidence and improved outcomes from cancer in this high-risk population.

Q: What do you do for fun outside of work? What are your passions and hobbies?
A: I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids, visiting the beach, and going on long runs.

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