CARES funds important cancer research

Scientific research funded by CARES and conducted at Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center is helping to improve the outlook for millions of cancer patients today and in the future. By delving into the biology and genetics of cancer – how it starts, how it grows and spreads and how it reacts to different treatments, scientists in the Lerner Research Institute are advancing the understanding and treatment of this disease. Meet two of the Lerner Research Institute scientists who received CARES research grants in 2006.

Alan Zhu, Ph.D.
Department of Cell Biology

Dr. Zhu’s research involves studying a biologic pathway known as the Hedgehog signaling pathway and its role in cancer. The Hedgehog pathway is a series of molecular signals that are generated in cells when Smoothened, a membrane protein, is activated. The pathway is involved in normal embryonic development, particularly of the brain, skin and hair. Genetic mutations in the pathway in adults are related to the development of several types of cancers, especially basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) and medulloblastoma, a type of childhood brain tumor. Mutations that activate Smoothend have been found in patients with these diseases.

Dr. Zhu is investigating mechanisms for blocking Smoothend’s activity to prevent activation of the pathway. "The CARES grant is helping us pursue studies to better understand the elements involved in Hedgehog pathway alterations, how they contribute to cancer development and maintenance, and whether targeting this pathway could provide a therapeutic option for treating certain forms of cancer," he says.

Warren Heston, Ph.D.
Director, Research Program in Cancer Biology
Department of Cancer Biology

Dr. Heston is investigating new ways to target prostate cancer for more effective treatment. In the laboratory, he and his colleagues have identified Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA), a substance that is manufactured at high levels on the surface of prostate cancer cells. High PSMA levels also are found in prostate cancer cells that have spread to the bone.

"We have two goals," Dr. Heston explains. "First, we want to develop a therapeutic agent that will target the PSMA on the tumor cells. Secondly, we hope to be able to combine this agent with radionucleotides to deliver high-dose radiation to tumors in the bone and eliminate the cancer cells."

Although the research is still in its early stages, "It has the potential for a high return," Dr. Heston says. "The CARES award is very important in helping us move forward."