TCRF
Funded Research

Early diagnosis of breast cancer with mammograms saves lives. Unfortunately, mammography is not as effective in women younger than 50. New tests that work in women of all ages are needed. Research has found a special type of sugar, called Neu5Gc, in breast cancer. Cancer, and our bodies, are unable to make this sugar, but it is plentiful in the diet and can be absorbed when eaten. Once incorporated into breast cancer cells this abnormal sugar causes a reaction by the patient’s immune system. This project will examine this reaction as a potential new test to diagnose breast cancer.

The abnormal genes that cause mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) are poorly identified. Recently, an extremely robust technology has become available: 500K SNP chips. This glass platform allows examination of 500,000 sites in the human genome permitting us to study almost every gene in the cell. These chips, therefore, allow identification of genes that are amplified or deleted or have probable small mutations. Examining a large number of samples and associating the genetic abnormalities with the clinical data will permit us to develop new diagnostic subcategorization of this heterogeneous group of diseases, provide prognostic indicators for the patient and physicians, and identify targets for small molecule therapy. Because of its ease and robustness, the 500K SNP chip may become the standard of care for diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring progession of MCL, as well as other malignancies.

Despite recent progress, colon cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Over the last several years new therapies, known as “targeted therapies” have emerged which are offering patients the hope of improved outcomes with fewer side effects. This proposal is based on determining which patients with colon cancer would benefit from the use of drugs that block a gene known as Src. We will do a series of experiments in colon cancer cells and gene chips to define a patient group that will respond to these drugs before proceeding into a clinical trial.

The abnormal genes that cause “preleukemia” (myelodysplastic syndrome, MDS) are poorly identified. Recently, an extremely robust technology has become available: 500K SNP chips. This glass platform permits us to examine 500,000 sites in the human genome to determine if abnormalities exist in almost every gene in the MDS cells. These chips, therefore, allow us to identify genes that are amplified or deleted or have probable small mutations. Examining a large number of MDS samples and associating the results with clinical data will permit us to develop new diagnostic subcategorization of this heterogeneous group of diseases, provide prognostic indicators for the patients and their physicians, and identify targets of small molecule therapy. Because of its ease and robustness, the 500K SNP chip may become the standard for diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring progression of MDS, as well as other malignancies.

Sarcoma is a rare form of cancer that affects individuals of all ages. Its diagnosis often carries a poor prognosis, as the benefit of traditional chemotherapy has been maximized. It is critical that we discover and apply new, more efficacious therapies. Recently, in our laboratory, we have discovered that Sarcoma cells are sensitive to a novel compound that blocks the cancer’s ability to grow and propagate. Currently, we are pursuing this compound as a treatment for patients with Sarcoma. In addition, we are using it as a scientific tool to help us unravel the molecular intricacies of this deadly disease.

Cancer of the pancreas is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. Approximately 32,180 new cases are anticipated in 2005, with 31,800 expected deaths and a median overall survival of only 6 months for cancer that has spread. Our traditional chemotherapy has not been able to significantly prolong life. Cancer cells have pathways that are constitutively turned on and allow for cell growth. I plan on targeting some of these pathways and also study the mechanisms involved with uncontrolled cell growth as well as resistance. This will allow us to improve the survival and quality of life of our patients.