Exclusive Interview with Prof. Robert C. Bast: A Pioneer in Ovarian Cancer Research
On June 9, 2025, the editorial team of Journal of Cancer Metastasis and Treatment (JCMT) had the great honor of interviewing one of the most eminent figures in cancer research - Prof. Robert C. Bast, Director of the Department of Translational Research Career Development at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
JCMT is also proud to announce that Prof. Bast has joined the journal as an Advisory Editor. His extensive expertise and visionary leadership will significantly contribute to JCMT’s mission of publishing cutting-edge research and advancing multidisciplinary progress in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
In this exclusive interview, Prof. Bast reflects on the inspiration behind his breakthrough work in combining immune biomarkers with CA125 for the early detection of ovarian cancer. He shares insights into the potential of such multi-analyte panels to aid in the detection of other elusive cancers, including endometrial, breast, and pancreatic cancers. Additionally, he offers valuable perspectives on the evolving understanding of metastasis and recurrence in ovarian cancer, emphasizing key biological mechanisms and future research priorities. Looking ahead, Prof. Bast discusses the transformative promise of emerging technologies—such as multi-cancer early detection tests, AI-driven imaging, and proteomics—in reshaping cancer screening and diagnosis. As a celebrated mentor and leader in the field, he also provides thoughtful guidance to young researchers embarking on their scientific journeys.
We look forward to sharing Prof. Bast’s valuable perspectives and continuing our collaboration to drive forward the global fight against cancer.
Biography of the Interviewee
Prof. Robert C. Bast, Director of Translational Research Career Development at MD Anderson Cancer Center, is internationally renowned for his discovery of CA125 as a groundbreaking biomarker that transformed the early detection of ovarian cancer. As Principal Investigator of multiple NIH- and MD Anderson-funded projects, Prof. Bast has led the development of multi-marker diagnostic strategies, including the NROSS2 trial and several blood-based biomarker validation studies. He has also spearheaded research on SIK2 inhibitors to enhance chemotherapy and immunotherapy responses, and explored the role of DIRAS3 in regulating autophagy and tumor dormancy. In recognition of his profound impact, he was awarded the 2025 Distinguished Service Award by Friends of Egyptian Children with Cancer and the Daniel D. Von Hoff Award from the AACR for excellence in education and mentorship. Through his leadership in the SPORE Career Enhancement Program, Prof. Bast continues to nurture and inspire the next generation of cancer researchers. He has published more than 620 articles and book chapters, and served as editor of the textbook Cancer Medicine. Since 2003, he has been recognized by the Institute for Scientific Informal as one of the most frequently cited scientists in oncology. In addition to his research, Dr. Bast continues to provide clinical care to patients with breast and ovarian cancers and has been consistently listed in Best Doctors in America since 1992 and America’s Top Physicians since 2003.
Editor: Eric Zhang
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Ting Xu
Respectfully Submitted by the Journal Editorial Office of Journal of Cancer Metastasis and Treatment
