2007 UALC
Matthew Topham, PhD
Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah
Research Project:
Role of COX-2 and Inflammation in Tumors with Activating EGFR Mutations
Summary:
Dr. Matthew Topham is investigating the role of an inflammatory protein called COX-2 that is produced by another mutated gene, EGFR. If COX-2 is found to enhance tumor growth, anti-inflammatory agents and other COX-2 antagonists could be used to slow lung cancer growth.
More Content:
Final Report
Dr. Topham has confirmed that COX-2 is elevated in cells expressing EGFR, and have determined that these cells are extremely sensitive to COX-2 inhibitors. Thus, commonly used anti-inflammatory COX-2 inhibitors, such as aspirin and Celebrex, may turn out to be beneficial in the treatment of lung tumors with mutated EGFR. If continued analysis strongly suggests that aspirin-like compounds might be useful, Dr. Topham and his team are poised to quickly test these medication in clinical trials.
Notable Accomplishments
Dr. Topham has received $25,000 from the R. Harold Burton Foundation to continue this project. In addition, funding from UALC not only helped develop a project that may translate to the clinic, but supported a number of students including an undergradate, a graduate student and a clinical fellow.