Research stimulates interdisciplinary care and innovative cancer treatments

Basic Sciences & Advanced Research

DIVISION OF BASIC AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH

Director: Dr. James CardelliBasic Science

Basic science programs contribute to comprehensive care at Feist-Weiller Cancer Center. The mission of the Scientific Programs in the Division of Basic and Translational Research is to increase our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate cancer formation and progression, and to develop novel techniques to detect and treat cancer. The three scientific programs that facilitate patient care at Feist-Weiller Cancer Center are: the Program in Tumor Virology, the Program in Cancer Cell Biology, and the Program in Translational Research.

Program in Tumor Virology

Leader: Dr. Lindsey Hutt-Fletcher (318) 675-4948  LHuttf@lsuhsc.edu

The Program in Tumor Virology seeks to increase understanding of the roles played by oncogenic viruses in tumor development, thus stimulating novel approaches to prevention, treatment, and cures for cancer. The Program in Tumor Virology contains leaders in the scientific world studying Herpes viruses including Epstein Barr Virus, the causative agent of Burkitts’ Lymphoma and other cancers. The Program currently is funded by a large programmatic federal grant.

 

Program in Cancer Cell Biology

Cell Motility and Invasion Focus Group

Leader: Dr. Omar Skalli (318) 675-8324 OSkall@lsuhsc.edu

The Cell Motility and Invasion Focus Group examines the mechanisms causing tumor cells to become more motile and invasive, leading to metastasis. The group's primary focus is to characterize the signal transduction pathways controlling the motile and invasive properties of cancer cells, and to identify the molecules inhibiting these pathways.

Protein Synthesis and Cancer

Leader: Dr. Robert Rhoads  (318) 675-5161 RRhoad@lsuhsc.edu

The Protein Synthesis and Cancer group explores the role of translation in regulating tumor progression. This group studies the mechanism and regulation of protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells, especially as it is affected by growth factors, oncogenes and viruses. We are investigating the structure and function of these initiation factors using the tools of protein chemistry, recombinant DNA technology, and in vivo expression with the goal of better understanding how cancer cells become active, and how to interfere with that process, which will lead to more specific treatment modalities.

Vascular Biology

Leader: Dr. Chris Kevil  (318) 675-4694  CKevil@lsuhsc.edu

The Vascular Biology group focuses on the mechanisms tumors employ to generate new vasculature to support their growth. The mission of the Vascular Biology and Angiogenesis Group is to determine the pathophysiological role of the cardiovascular system during tumorigenesis and metastasis, and identify novel avenues by which to manipulate such findings in the search for new advances in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

 

Program in Translational Research

Four focus groups in the Program in Translational Research comprise a mix of basic and clinical scientists who apply their combined skills to do bench to bedside to bench research. This research paradigm has the greatest probability of generating new therapeutic approaches in the treatment of cancer. Research efforts include investigator initiated clinical trials.

Center for Experimental Cancer Therapeutics (CECAT)

Director— Dr. Anthony Giordano  318-675-7791 agiord@lsuhsc.edu
Co-Director— Dr. Jim Cardelli 318-675-5756 JCarde@lsuhsc.edu

The CECAT is a multi-institutional center focused on the discovery of anti-cancer agents.  Members of the CECAT bring high expertise in throughput screening, drug design and delivery, a variety of both in vitro and in vivo models of cancer, pharmacology and toxicology and earlier clinical development strategies to the discovery of new small molecule therapies. The Center carries out internal research and sponsored research programs.  

Urologic Cancer Focus Group

Leader—Dr. Jill Williams 318-675-5604 BWilli4@lsuhsc.edu

 

Breast Cancer Focus Group

Leader— Heather Kleiner, PhD 318-675.6123 HKlein@lsuhsc.edu

The breast cancer research group is a multidisciplinary group of researchers from the clinical and basic sciences, formed with a common interest in and desire to tackle the fundamental biological and clinical questions related to preventing and treating breast cancer. 

Aerodigestive Focus Group

Leader—Dr. Shawn Milligan  (318) 675-4648  SMilli@lsuhsc.edu

The focus of this group is to conduct clinical trials in patients with tobacco-related aerodigestive malignancies. A major emphasis will be placed on the use of natural bio-products in chemoprevention as well as in the treatment of established cancers. A second focus will be on establishing a better understanding of certain aspects of carcinogenesis and response to therapy of tobacco-related cancers.