2010 UALC
Lauren Byers, MD, MS
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Research Project:
Validation of PARP as therapeutic target in small cell lung cancer and the development of biomarkers of response
Summary:
Small cell lung cancer is highly aggressive, with most patients quickly becoming resistant to standard chemotherapy. New molecularly targeted therapies are needed. Dr. Byers and co-investigator Dr. John Heymach are investigating a key protein, PARP1, as a potential novel therapeutic protein for SCLC. This study will test the efficacy of blocking PARP1 activity in cell lines and confirm elevated PARP1 expression in clinical samples. Their goal is to validate PARP1 as a good therapeutic target for SCLC and identify biomarkers that could predict which tumors are likely to respond to treatment.
More Content:
Final Report
Based on the work performed in this project, MD Anderson has recently opened two clinical trials to test PARP inhibitors alone or in combination with chemotherapy for patients with recurrent SCLC. Dr. Byers is currently serving as the MD Anderson PI of both of these trials. The first is a Phase II CTEP/NCI trial of temozolomide with or without the PARP inhibitor, ABT-888, for SCLC patients with either sensitive or refractory relapse. The second is a Phase I cohort expansion in SCLC of the novel, highly potent PARP inhibitor, BMN-673, in platinum-sensitive, relapsed SCLC. In addition to leading these trials, Dr. Byers will also be heading the biomarker analysis/correlative studies.
Notable Accomplishments
Dr. Byers has already published findings in two articles during the first year of funding. Dr. Byers, a Junior Investigator, was also awarded $475,000 in follow-on funding and additional support.