DF/HCC Program Affiliation

Cancer Immunology
Gastrointestinal Malignancies

Research Abstract

Graduate Work
Investigated the effects of restraint stress on natural killer cell activity during pursuit of a Master’s degree. Sprague Dawley rats subjected to short term (12 hours daily,11 days) restraint displayed an increase in Natural Killer Cell activity, compared to controls. Also studied the effects of cold swim stress, where similar observations of immune enhancement, based on mitogen responsiveness and natural killer cell activity were made with regards to short term stress as opposed to long term stress. These experiments were conducted in Fischer 344 rats, asnd led to the defense of a dissertation, and award of the PhD degree. Two abstracts, and subsequently manuscripts were published in peer reviewed journals attesting to these observations.

Phase I and II trials of cancer chemoprevention
Interested in elucidating the mechanisms of non-tobacco related upper aero digestive tract carcinogenesis. Although the mechanisms of tobacco induced malignancies are well established, there is sparse information on malignancies associated with consumption of beetle nut, areca nut and similar compounds. This will require assessment of specific pathway abnormalities related to these malignancies, and identification of potential targets of chemoprevention. Based on these observations, I am then interested in preclinical studies of chemo preventive agents.

Phase I and II trials investigating efficacy of novel compounds
Will be involved in the determination of toxicities and efficacy of novel compounds in the treatment of gastro-intestinal. Thoracic and Aero digestive tract malignancies.

Immunology
Interested in identifying the factors associated with clinical benefit in patients with Non Small Cell Lung Cancers treated with EGFR inhibitors, who also develop skin toxicities. The immune mechanisms underlying this observation are not clearly understood. Interested in exploring mechanisms to enhance immune efficacy against tumors, through manipulation of natural killer cells. Investigated the effects of stress on immune and endocrine function during graduate work in the Department of Biological Sciences at Kent State University, which led to the award of the MS and PhD degrees.

Lung Cancer
Several trials of combinations of EGFR inhibitors with chemotherapeutic agents have failed to demonstrate clinical benefit. I am interested in exploring the sequencing of these targeted agents with chemotherapy, since there is emerging evidence that such an approach may confer increased sensitivity to the respective agents. Interested in translational research projects.

Publications

No representative citations available.