YARON S BUTTERFIELD
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RESEARCH​

Photo from pathology of my tumur
The pace of discovery is going unbelievably fast"
                                                                    - James Watson


PictureWhere the raw data comes from ready for analysis and potential discoveries
As a cancer genomics researcher at BC Cancer's Genome Sciences Centre (GSC)
in Vancouver, Canada, I use and write software to analyze and interpret DNA
​sequence data from cancer patients


Much has changed in technology and goals since I started my career in genomics in 2000.  From Sanger sequencing of SARS, frogs, mice and human genomes or segments of genomes, to 'next-generation' Illumina sequencing of human cancer.

Over the last 20 years, at the GSC, I have coordinated teams of up to 10 staff in bioinformatics with database development, analysis pipelines, software development, research studies (including two I played a large role in that led to important discoveries), and QA (quality control) of our data and pipelines. 

I’m first author on 2 publications in scientific journals and co-author on 56 other refereed articles including 5 on brain cancer.


Currently on leave studying the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in cancer research and treatment. This can allow for less invasive and earlier detection of cancer. I am also involved in various patient care projects.

Contact me if interested in seeing my resume.
​
[email protected]



​Research highlights and projects of interest

First author papers or those in which I had a larger role

       
  • My first primary author publication in 2002
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC117194/

  • I stayed up to 4am on my own to complete the full genome of the SARS coronovirus in record time in April 2003
    http://www.sciencemag.org/content/300/5624/1399.long
    See "Cracking the SARS genome" under Media

  • ​Linux journal article of the SARS sequencing
    http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/6977

  • Example of how whole genome sequencing used to determine cancer treatment
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2945784/

  • A piece of software I wrote in 2014, JAGuaR, to help facilitate RNA-sequencing analysis
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4111418/
    http://www.bcgsc.ca/platform/bioinfo/software/jaguar
    ​


    ​In addition to my research work, I have been involved in patient care projects in various capacities.

  • What matters most to patients about primary healthcare: mixed-methods patient priority setting exercises within the PREFeR (PRioritiEs For Research) project
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31292175
Picture
Visit to Cold Spring Harbour 2001 where I met Jim Watson who, with Francis Crick, proposed the double helix structure of the DNA molecule

​Brain Cancer Research 
     
  • Oligodendroglioma - research project I was heavily involved in to generate and analyze the first ever genome and RNA sequences of adult oligodendroglioma brain cancer which led to our discovery of a common mutation CIC in this type of brain cancer
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3246739/

    Publication: Concurrent CIC mutations, IDH mutations, and 1p/19q loss distinguish oligodendrogliomas from other cancers*
    Semantic Scholar
    The Journal of Pathology
    * We received the Jeremy Jass Prize for For Research Excellence in Pathology

  • DIPG - A diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a tumour located in the pons of the brain stem
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24705252

  • Medulloblastoma - common malignant brain tumour in children 
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26760213

  • Molecular Profiling Reveals Biologically Discrete Subsets and Pathways of Progression in Diffuse Glioma
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26824661

  • Comprehensive, Integrative Genomic Analysis of Diffuse Lower-Grade Gliomas
    New England Journal of Medicine

  • Simvastatin Increases Temozolomide-induced Cell Death by Targeting the Fusion of Autophagosomes and Lysosomes
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31545550/​
Picture

The Patient Experience 
Picture
BC Cancer Conference Fall 2024
Picture
bcca_2024.2.pdf
File Size: 6141 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Background
Over 400 patients of all ages in BC are diagnosed with brain cancer each year.

Today, brain cancers are classified using a combination of pathological and tumor molecular markers, which together inform the treatment plan and prognosis for the disease. While molecular classification of brain cancers have led to improvements in care, relatively less attention has been paid to the optimal means of communicating the complexities of this diagnosis to patients and their families. 

Objective
The objective of this ongoing patient engagement project is to assess gaps in patient understanding of their brain cancer diagnoses, and to develop educational resources which could be provided at the time of diagnosis to help address these gaps. 
​

OurBrainCancerStory.ca

​MY STORY
  • Home
    • My Story
  • About Me...
    • Media... >
      • Stories after diagnosis
      • Cracking the SARS genome
      • Vancouver's First 24hr Internet Cafe
    • Research
    • Art
    • Writing
    • Speaking Engagements
    • Catching the Light
    • Contact
  • Activities...
    • A Fresh Chapter >
      • Peru 2019
      • Kenya 2024
    • The Human Library
    • Brainiacs
    • Brain Tumour Walk/Run
    • The Marathon
    • Sasquatch Hockey Club
    • Talks & Lectures
    • Random Stuff
  • Your Story...
    • Brain Tumour Information Day
    • Ourbraincancerstory
    • Patient/Caregiver
    • Healing
    • Links of interest
    • Your Supplements
    • Book Reviews
  • Merchandise