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

IN THE NEWS: Cancer Researcher Highlights ‘Myths and Misconceptions’ Patients Have About Trials

Healio Do you understand how clinical trials work in oncology? Wasif Saif, M.D., MBBS , medical oncologist, leader of the  Phase I Clinical T...

Read More

Stomach Cancer: The Cancer Affecting Over 26,000 People This Year

Though rare in the U.S., stomach cancer makes up about 1.5% of all cancer diagnoses annually. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 26,8...

Read More

IN THE NEWS: Breast Cancer Community Finds Safe Haven on Reddit

WebMD Breast cancer survivors have turned the in-person support group into a thread on Reddit. Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz ...

Read More
News

101 WRIF | Lung Cancer Awareness

Listen Now

Becker’s Healthcare Podcast | Exploring Breakthroughs in Cancer Treatment with Dr. Boris C. Pasche, President & CEO at Karmanos Cancer Institute

Listen Now

WWJ | Karmanos Cancer Institute Hosts Classic Cars for the Cure

Listen Now