2013 UALC
David Shackelford, MD, PhD
University of California, Los Angeles
Research Project:
Targeting LKB1-deficient non-small cell lung cancer through the NRF2 pathway
Summary:
Dr. Shackelford is investigating novel therapeutics for the treatment of early stage lung cancers harboring mutations in the LKB1 tumor suppressor gene. Through the use of state-of-the-art imaging and molecular analysis in human and preclinical models of lung cancer, his team will explore the use of β lapachone (β lap) as an anti-cancer agent to treat LKB1 mutant lung tumors. Dr. Shackelford will also investigate the contribution of oxidative stress to lung cancer, assess a related biomarker, and perform pre-clinical studies of a new therapeutic.