Oncopharmacology
Research by the Department of Pharmacology faculty has already led to the pioneering development of aromatase inhibitors that are widely used to treat breast cancer. Ongoing research focuses on other novel strategies, such as gene-delivery vectors and anti-metastasis therapeutic targets.
Laboratory investigations involve a wide range of approaches, including chemistry, cell culture and animal models. Techniques include the use of the following approaches:
- genomics
- proteomics
- enzyme crystallization
- protein purification
- gene editing
- confocal microscopy
- whole-animal imaging of cancer progression
Tumor Cell Microtentacles
Our faculty are addressing the following questions relevant to understanding cancer:
- What genetic changes occur in cancer that promote metastasis?
- How do chemotherapeutic drugs act at the molecular level?
- What are the mechanisms used by hormones and other factors to regulate growth of cancer cells? How are these altered by selective inhibitors?
- How can we optimize the selection of effective treatments for individual cancer patients?