2008 UALC
Poulikos Poulikakos, PhD
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Research Project:
Targeting Oncogenic Raf in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Identification and Characterization of Specific Molecular Subtypes of NSCLC
Summary:
The uncontrolled growth of lung cancer cells relies on a chain of reactions called the map kinase pathway. EGFR and MEK are known links in this chain. Some patients have tumors that depend on an alteration in another link called RAF. Dr. Poulikos Poulikakos is testing drugs that specifically inhibit RAF to determine if they can block the growth of the tumor cells.
More Content:
Final Report
Dr. Poulikakos has completed his initial studies of the RAF kinase inhibitor, demonstrating sensitivity to RAF inhibition though not to the extent seen in melanoma cells. His findings suggest that RAF inhibition is only effective in cancer cells in which RAF is altered or mutated, but not when RAF is normal. This study has also led to an understanding of how the RAF protein works together with MEK and may lead to a new double blocking therapeutic strategy. His studies indicate that RAF inhibitors will be beneficial only to patients carrying BRAF mutations — of note two recent clinical trials of RAF inhibitors in melanoma patients stratified for BRAF showed promising results. He is currently investigating combinatorial approaches to enhance the antitumor effects of these targeted therapies in lung cancer.
Notable Accomplishments
Dr. Poulikakos was awarded a $50,000 NCI Training Grant to continue his studies, and published his work as a first author in the high-impact journal, Nature.