Her research led to the important discovery of a recurrent mutation in the HOXB13 gene that increases the chances of being diagnosed with prostate cancer and is estimated to account for 5 percent of hereditary prostate cancer cases worldwide. Since men with HOXB13 mutations are at an increased risk of prostate cancer, they may benefit from participation in screening and potentially prevention protocols in the future.
Dr. Cooney’s research continues with federal funding to identify germline mutations associated with lethal and aggressive prostate cancer as well as prostate cancer in African American men.