Dr. Robert Goldsby

Dr. Robert Goldsby has studied the relationship of DNA replication errors to carcinogenesis by creating mice with defective DNA polymerase proofreading. These mice exhibit a high incidence of cancer. This work, recently published in Nature Medicine and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, strengthens the concept that the increased rate of endogenous mutations can cause cancer. After participating in the Advanced Training in Clinical Research Certificate Program at UCSF, he has initiated several clinical projects related to pediatric sarcomas and late effects of childhood cancer. He is working with Dr. Richard O’Donnell and others to establish a comprehensive and interdisciplinary Bone Tumor Program at UCSF. He will be assuming the responsibilities as the institutional principal investigator for the national Children’s Cancer Survivorship Study.

The Bone Tumor Program is a multidisciplinary team, which includes representatives from pediatric hematology/oncology (Dr. Robert Goldsby), radiation oncology (Dr. Daphne Haas-Kogan), orthopedic surgery (Dr. Richard O’Donnell), pathology (Dr. Grace Kim), and rehabilitation medicine (Dr. Richard Quint). The goal is to provide convenient, state of the art, and multidisciplinary care clinic for patients with musculoskeletal tumors. Additionally, through translational and clinical research they hope to improve the classification, prognostication, and treatment for patients with musculoskeletal tumors.

Late Effects of Childhood Cancer

Over the past 50 years tremendous strides have been made in the ability to treat childhood cancer. With various combinations of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, nearly 70% of children diagnosed with cancer are now living long-term. Currently, it is estimated that 1 in 570 young adults between the age of 20 and 34 is a survivor of childhood cancer. There are an estimated 250,000 long-term survivors of childhood cancer living in the United States today. Many survivors will live a relatively normal life after cancer, while others may be at risk for quality of life changes, late recurrence, second malignant neoplasm, endocrine disturbances, organ dysfunction, neuropsychological issues and/or other consequences.

Because of the importance of clinical care, research and education for this population, a long-term follow-up program is an important component of the comprehensive cancer program at UCSF. With Dr. Goldsby as Director, UCSF is a participating member institution in the national Children's Cancer Survivorship Study which is a large cohort study designed to closely monitor the health of survivors of childhood cancer.