2012 Free to Breathe Young Investigator Research Grant
Raul Catena, PhD
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Research Project:
How Tumors Use Neutrophils
Summary:
Dr. Catena’s research examines one of the ways lung tumors recruit normal cells to support their growth and spread to other organs. Through previous work, Dr. Catena has discovered that certain cells, called neutrophils, can be co-opted by tumors in order to start a process that encourages the growth of new blood vessels. These blood vessels provide new sources of oxygen and nutrients to fuel tumor growth. Dr. Catena will continue examining this process, including ways to block it, with the goal of identifying new therapies for patients.