City of Hope Academic Research genomics genome mapping TGen Translational Genomics Research Institute spatial biology AI access

The Long Game of Cancer Genomics: John Carpten, Ph.D., on Building Precision Oncology that Reaches Patients

by Monty Pal
· Amaze Media Labs

Mar 23^rd 2026
56 mins
On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research

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Summary

In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, John Carpten, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at City of Hope, discusses the evolution of cancer genomics—how early genome mapping enabled today’s targeted approaches and what infrastructure and equity considerations will determine what comes next.

Dr. Carpten traces the less-linear path that brought him to the forefront of the field, from his early interests in biology and sports to a pivotal moment in college, when a red-covered Life magazine helped crystallize his career trajectory toward genomics.

This curiosity led Carpten to his work on the Human Genome Project, where he significantly contributed to mapping the human genome years before a reference sequence existed. He later helped build translational genomics programs from the ground up, including as a founding member of the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), turning limited resources into platforms for discovery and application.

The episode tackles what makes breakthroughs durable: building programs, technologies and teams that are inclusive, scalable and designed for clinical impact. Carpten shares how City of Hope is integrating genomics, spatial biology and emerging approaches such as AI to accelerate translation—with an emphasis on rigor, implementation and access.

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