The re-emergence of resistant cancer cells after initial therapy is one of the great unsolved, and deadly, problems in oncology, and a fundamental problem of evolution under stress. This project is aimed at understanding, from general principles of physics, ecology, and biology, why recurrence of resistant cancer cells seems to be a universal phenomenon in cancer. We believe that evolution in small, stressed habitats is the key to the rapid and inevitable re-emergence of resistance. The physical technology that drives this Project uses microfabrication of tiny, stressed habitats to test these Ideas. Modern techniques of physical probes, genomics, proteomics and nanotechnology will allow us to analyze the evolutionary path of these emergent resistant cells.

Public Health Relevance

Perhaps the evolution of resistance in cancer is something we are making worse and ultimately more lethal with our present treatment of cancer. We hope that by truly understanding how resistance evolves, we may develop new therapies which control cancer to the point where it is survivable, if not cured.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Specialized Center--Cooperative Agreements (U54)
Project #
5U54CA143803-04
Application #
8323592
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZCA1-SRLB-9 (O1))
Program Officer
Franca-Koh, Jonathan C
Project Start
2009-09-28
Project End
2014-07-31
Budget Start
2012-08-01
Budget End
2013-07-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$2,775,982
Indirect Cost
$687,210
Name
Princeton University
Department
Physics
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
002484665
City
Princeton
State
NJ
Country
United States
Zip Code
08544
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