As scientists, we all hope to make significant advancements in our field of research, whether it be helping to develop a therapy or better understand how a particular pathway or system functions. The desire to make advancements in our understanding is what drives most scientists. However, every once in a while you hear of a scientist who is driven by the desire to help himself/herself; they are sick and doing research in order to find a novel therapy for their condition. While unfortunate, it is often these scientists that are the most inspiring to both fellow scientists and the greater community.

This past week I saw an article describing a former Columbia University medical student named PJ Lukac who was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, an aggressive and fatal brain tumor. After undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, Lukac decided to go work as a research assistant in the laboratory of Dr. Markus Bredel (the director of the Brain Tumor Institute’s research program) at Northwestern University in order to help find more effective treatments for his cancer.

Bredel’s lab recently identified a network of gene mutations that are key to forming glioblastoma and published their work in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Haploinsufficiency of one tumor suppressor gene, ANXA7, causes the tumors to become more aggressive. This research helps us to better understand how these tumors form and will aid in the development of targeted glioblastoma therapies.

In the mean time, Lukac has described working in the lab as the “two or three of the best months” of his life. He continues to work to find a therapy for his condition. He is truly inspiring.