How V Scholar Joelle Straehla, M.D. is Pioneering Drug Delivery for Pediatric Tumors
Read moreType: Game-Changer
Edward Hirschowitz, M.D.
Funded by Papa John’s International
Ann Hoff, M.A.
Funded by Papa John’s International
David Jones, M.D.
Funded by Papa John’s International
Robert Jotte, M.D., Ph.D.
Funded by Papa John’s International
Ralf Krahe, Ph.D.
Funded by Papa John’s International
Quynh-Thu Le, M.D.
Funded by The V Foundation Wine Celebration
Daniel Wechsler, M.D.
Funded by the Apple Gold Group
The CALM-AF10 chromosomal abnormality is seen in aggressive pediatric and adult acute leukemias that have a poor prognosis. Our lab has discovered that CALM-AF10 interacts with CRM1, a protein that helps transport other proteins from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. This interaction is required to activate HOXA genes, which play a critical role in both CALM-AF10 and other leukemias. This discovery suggests that CRM1 may be important in other leukemias as well, as is significant because a new class of drugs that inhibit interaction with CRM1 (SINEs-Selective Inhibitors of Nuclear Export) has recently been developed. These drugs are effective in a number of human tumor types, and are currently in clinical trials for adult leukemias. Our studies indicate that SINEs may block cancer cells through an unappreciated and novel mechanism-inhibiting CRM1 involvement in activating HOXA genes. In this proposal, we will examine the molecular mechanisms by which CRM1 activates HOXA genes. We will then identify additional CRM1 target genes that are involved in causing leukemias. Studying this previously unrecognized role for CRM1 will enhance our understanding of how SINEs work, and provide preclinical support for their use in pediatric leukemia clinical trials. Since HOXA genes are involved in many hematopoietic malignancies (including MLL-fusion leukemias that are seen in 80% of infant leukemias), these studies may have broad implications for leukemogenesis.
Terry Badger, Ph.D., RN, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN
Funded by Hooters of America, LLC
The purpose of our study is to test psychosocial interventions to improve quality of life (QOL) (psychological, physical, social and spiritual well-being) for Latinas with breast cancer and their family members or friends who are helping them during their cancer journey. Latinas and their family members/friends often experience severe psychological distress during cancer treatment and this distress can negatively affect health and well-being. Participants in our study are assigned to either an 8-week supportive health education intervention or an 8-week telephone interpersonal counseling intervention. Both the health education and the counseling is provided over the telephone, and each person who participates in the study is called separately. Our trained health care workers call the women and their family members/friends at times that are convenient for them. Sessions are about 30 minutes on the phone each week for 8 weeks. Using the telephone to deliver this service removes many of the access barriers normally associated with counseling or health education. Participants can receive help in the privacy of their own homes over the telephone. In addition to participating in the 8 education or counseling sessions, we ask the women and their family members/friends to complete some questionnaires 4 times over the next 6 months to determine if the intervention was helpful to them. All study related materials, assessments and sessions are conducted in English or Spanish, depending on the person’s preference. At the end of our study, we also tell them about any other clinical trials that may be of interest.
Hatem Soliman, M.D.
Funded by Hooters of America, LLC
Dr. Hatem Soliman, a researcher and breast cancer medical oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center, will be conducting a project to help increase accrual to clinical trials for breast cancer patients. The aim of the project is to first assess patient awareness of cancer clinical trials, perceived barriers that may prevent participation and what information would help patients to more readily participate in trials. Information will be collected from a target of 100 Moffitt breast cancer patients. Once this initial assessment is completed, the second aim of the project is to use this information to create a web hosted video to address questions and issues identified through the survey as perceived barriers to breast cancer clinical trial participation and provide vital information that may help increase participation. A short post video survey will be administered to ascertain the impact of the information presented on increasing clinical trial participation. If successful, our ultimate goal would be to expand this methodology to other cancer types to help increase clinical trial participation.
