Projects and Grants

Funded Grants
Patient Oriented Research: Colon CA & Cancer Immunology
NCI
K24C82458
This study supports translational research activities related to colon cancer and cancer immunology and also includes a substantial mentoring component. 

Neoadjuvant photodynamic immunomodulation for colon cancer
NCI
R21CA 153594
This grant supports a phase I/II clinical trial in patients with colon cancer, monitoring safety and toxicity of a neoadjuvant photodynamic therapy approach as well as evaluating multiple immunologic parameters in vitro following acquisition of biospecimens from patients enrolled on the trial. 

Pending Support
Sex hormones and colon cancer
NCI
R21
This submitted proposal examines the role of sex hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone, in inhibiting the development of colon cancer. It utilizes mouse and rat transgenic models. 

Reactive Oxygen Species-Activated Resveratrol: Effects on Intestinal inflammation, Wnt Signaling and Cancer
DOD
IDEA award
Inflammation and Wnt signaling are implicated in the development of colon cancer and resveratrol, a stilbene available in dietary sources such as grapes, inhibits inflammation in many model systems, inhibits Wnt signaling in vitro, and has colon cancer preventive activity in animal models. We will test the hypothesis that a rationally designed, synthetic resveratrol derivative which is activated under conditions of increased oxidative stress should have improved efficacy for preventing colon cancer development in the setting of colonic inflammation. The research proposed here will change current paradigms of cancer drug development and may lead to new approaches for the prevention of colon cancer in humans, the third most common cause of cancer-related death.