Luis G. Carvajal Carmona

I am a Cancer Geneticist and Epidemiologist.

Luis G. Carvajal Carmona, Ph.D.

University of California - Davis

I remember when my postdoc came to my office with exome sequencing results to tell me that we only found two PALB2 mutations and remember thinking "but PALB2 has never been associated with gastric cancer." We went on to follow up and replicate the findings and ended up reporting, for the first time, the important role of PALB2 and other homologous recombination genes in gastric cancer risk. This study also served as the foundation to successfully secure my first R01.

I have a passion for genetic discovery, with a focus on investigating the role of genetic risk factors in underserved minority populations. I hope our research contributes to helping people in the US and abroad and that it helps move us from cancer health disparities toward cancer health equity. I became interested in research at an early age, as I have been always a curious person. I love what I do and feel very fortunate to have found many colleagues who have been great friends and mentors. In addition to my passion for science and in particular for genetics, I am also a keen supporter of improving opportunities for researchers from all walks of life, including those who come from deprived communities and who are first-generation college graduates.

With regards to our current R01 study, we feel that the project is very important as it will help us understand in more detail the genetic etiology of gastric cancer. Gastric cancer is diagnosed in more than 1 million patients each year and is the second cause of mortality worldwide. Our study will focus on important research gaps in order to design better ways to prevent and treat this common and often fatal cancer.


Grant Listing
Project Title Grant Number Program Director Publication(s)
Genetic studies of homologous recombination deficiency in hispanic gastric cancer
1R01CA223978-01
Damali Martin


To request edits to this profile, please contact Mark Alexander at alexandm@mail.nih.gov.

Last Updated: 07/05/2019 12:46:42