Staff Spotlight: Linda Cambier, PhD

“I like being so close to the hospital,” says Linda Cambier, PhD, who works in the lab of David Cobrinik, MD, PhD. “You can easily imagine that what you do at the bench will one day be translated for the patients in the next building.”

Specifically, Dr. Cambier is hoping that her research will eventually lead to a first-of-its-kind test to detect osteosarcoma at its earliest stages. Such a test is particularly needed for children who have genetic syndromes that place them at high risk for this type of bone cancer.

In the lab, she focuses on identifying novel biomarkers associated with exosomes, which are small molecules secreted by cells that deliver proteins and genetic material to other cells. The idea is that these biomarkers could potentially be used not only for early detection of osteosarcoma, but also to gauge a patient’s response to treatment.

Dr. Cambier, who joined CHLA in 2018, describes research as “like solving a puzzle every day.” Another fun part of her job: the people. “Everybody helps each other here,” she adds. “It is nice to work in those conditions.”

Originally from Alès, France (“It’s a small town where you can walk everywhere—contrary to Los Angeles!”), she came to the U.S. 12 years ago. Here in L.A., she enjoys playing pétanque, a French outdoor game related to Italian bowling and horseshoes, and recently took up Latin dancing.