Theme 3: Validate clinical effectiveness of new agents and new protocols in interventional treatment trials

Scientific Accomplishments

In preclinical triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) models, Drs. Boerner, Polin and Heilbrun, working with Dr. LoRusso, found that poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors such as veliparib (ABT-888) enhanced the activity of the topoisomerase 1 inhibitor irinotecan (CPT-11). Based on these results, a Phase I clinical trial was performed to examine the tolerability of combined veliparib/ironotecan in advanced solid tumor patients. Following the dose-escalation phase, an expansion cohort was opened to perform further biomarker and genomic correlative studies in two specific TNBC populations with the combined veliparib/irinotecan.

  • Lead researchers - Drs. Boerner, Polin and Heilbrun.
  • Collaborative researcher - Dr. Li

Dr. Gadgeelwas a Principal Investigators on a phase I/II study evaluating CH5424802 (alectinib), a second generation ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) inhibitor in patients with ALK positive NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) whose disease had progressed following treatment with the first generation ALK inhibitor crizotinib. Based on the results of the phase II trial, the drug has received ‘breakthrough designation’ by the US FDA.

  • Lead researchers - Dr. Gadgeel

The Latest From Karmanos Cancer Institute

News

Karmanos Cancer Institute Continues Community Education Series in June: Understanding Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Options

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute ’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) continues the 2025 Community Conversations on Cance...

Read More

#HAVhope: Karmanos Raises Awareness of Hospital Violence

For the first time, staff at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute held a moment of silence for #HAVhope Friday on June 6, to raise awareness ...

Read More

Karmanos, WSU Researcher Honored for Groundbreaking Research on Cancer Communication in Families

Cinzia Caparso, Ph.D., RN, an assistant professor in the Wayne State University College of Nursing and a member of the Population Studies and Disp...

Read More
News

WXYT 97.1 The Ticket | ‘Get a Mammogram’

Listen Now

WXYT 97.1 The Ticket | Have Confidence in Who’s Treating You for Cancer

Listen Now

WDET | Doctor Says HPV Vaccine and Routine Screenings Aid Against Cervical Cancer

Listen Now