Dr. Katherine Nathanson

Biography

Katherine L. Nathanson, MD, is the Pearl Basser Professor at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, where she leads research in hereditary breast cancer. Her work has significantly contributed to understanding the genetic underpinnings of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers, particularly in identifying the variable risks associated with different BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation types. Among her notable achievements are published studies in JAMA and Human Mutation that highlighted the global distribution of mutations and the implications for risk assessment. Her group’s innovative approach includes investigating moderate penetrance breast cancer susceptibility genes, contributing to key consensus statements on risk mutations, and exploring the immunogenicity of BRCA1/2 mutation-associated cancers. She has also managed comprehensive projects characterizing melanoma and neuroendocrine tumors, leading to significant advancements in preclinical modeling and genetic testing. With over 25 publications, she has focused on the intersection of cancer genetics and immunology, elucidating the factors that affect treatment responses in melanoma and other cancers.

Research Interests

Experience