Many human cancers are now recognized to be the result of accumulated genetic lesions which culminate in the transformed malignant phenotype. As these disease states result from defined genetic mutations, gene therapy techniques may provide a rational basis for intervention. To this end, several distinct gen therapy strategies have been developed and employed. Ovarian cancer is ideally suited for application of gene therapy, given the poor overall outcome with conventional therapies in most instances. Therefore, it is our hypothesis that a variety of gene therapy strategies can be developed as rational therapeutic options in the context of ovarian cancer. This proposal will demonstrate the broad research and mentoring activities in gene therapy for ovarian cancer that are currently being conducted and those that are being planned by the candidate for this Midcareer Investigator award. Pursuant to this hypothesis the candidate intends to develop a Program for Ovarian Cancer Gene Therapy with emphasis on rapid translation of novel preclinical gene therapy strategies for ovarian cancer into human clinical trials and with emphasis on the mentoring and development of junior basic and clinical faculty in ovarian cancer gene therapy translational research. To facilitate these aims, the candidate also intends to enhance his fund of knowledge and skills in molecular biology, clinical study design and implementation, informatics, and manuscript and grant writing. Thus, by virtue of developing a new therapeutic paradigm for ovarian cancer and assisting with midcareer and junior faculty development, this award will make a substantial impact in gynecologic oncology, a specialty exclusively devoted to women's reproductive tract malignancies and in need of translational scientists.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (K24)
Project #
5K24CA082778-04
Application #
6522305
Study Section
Subcommittee G - Education (NCI)
Program Officer
Gorelic, Lester S
Project Start
1999-09-28
Project End
2004-08-31
Budget Start
2002-09-20
Budget End
2003-08-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$112,013
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Alabama Birmingham
Department
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
004514360
City
Birmingham
State
AL
Country
United States
Zip Code
35294
Hemminki, Akseli; Alvarez, Ronald D (2002) Adenoviruses in oncology: a viable option? BioDrugs 16:77-87