A Multifactorial Approach to Understanding the Impact of Genetic and Social Structures on Lung Cancer Disparities

Principal Investigator

Name
Mohammed Orloff

Degrees
PhD, MS (Biotech)

Institution
The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas acting for and on behalf of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Position Title
Associate Professor

Email
msorloff@uams.edu

About this CDAS Project

Study
PLCO (Learn more about this study)

Project ID
PLCO-1883

Initial CDAS Request Approval
Jul 11, 2025

Title
A Multifactorial Approach to Understanding the Impact of Genetic and Social Structures on Lung Cancer Disparities

Summary
This project investigates the multifaceted effects of genetics, epigenetics, and social structures on the incidence and progression of lung cancer subtypes across different racial and ethnic groups. While previous research has highlighted the influence of genetic mutations (such as KRAS and ROS1) and epigenetic factors (like methylation) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), their integration with social determinants such as socioeconomic status is less understood. The varied impact of these factors among groups of different genetic background, indicates a complex interplay that may explain differences in lung cancer outcomes.
The goal of this research is to develop a comprehensive model that incorporates genetic, epigenetic, and social factors to predict lung cancer progression in diverse populations. Utilizing data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial,

Aims

1. Analyze the combined impact of genomic and epigenomic factors with social determinants on lung cancer development and progression using advanced analytics and machine learning.
2. Study SNP interactions with epigenetic and social factors affecting lung cancer subtype progression.
3. Examine gene expression and methylation interplay with genetic and social factors in lung cancer subtypes.

Collaborators

Jing Jin, PhD - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Yasir Rahmatallah, PhD - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mark Park, PhD - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Maher Alsaadi MPH - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences