A phenotype-based approach to validate biomarkers and identify molecular targets in cancer

International Conference and Exhibition on Lung Disorders & Therapeutics

July 13-15, 2015 Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Raj K Batra

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Pulm Respir Med

Abstract :

Current methods to predict anti-cancer drug efficacy in humans is often inaccurate in clinical trials. Our novel �??disease in a dish�?� approach overcomes challenges associated with identifying key, disease-relevant targets, in order to rationally develop (combinations of) targeted therapeutics. The ineffectiveness of treatment is in large part attributable to both interand intra tumor heterogeneity. Our approach uncovers the molecular basis of aggressive tumor cell phenotypes, directly from individual clinical bio specimens. We segregate tumor cell subsets that are more competent than others for mediating aggressive behavioral properties (form tumors, metastasize, and/or resist therapy). Collectively, these properties have been attributed to �??cancer stem cells�?� or CSC. We have developed novel processes and methods to extract CSC from clinical bio specimens in primarily cultures, and have been able to validate that CSC subsets exhibit distinctive behavioral properties, which can then be directly associated with molecular differences in the same bio specimen. 1. Personalized targeted therapy is important for the effective treatment of cancers; however, it requires the identification and validation of relevant molecular drivers. 2. Our approach introduces phenotypic bioassays for both driver discovery and target validation. 3. Advanced stage disease does not prohibit (and may be advantageous) for associating specific biomarkers with functional phenotypes. 4. Biological discovery that emphasizes the design of appropriate functional bioassays to characterize aggressive cancer cell phenotypes and molecular biology may enable us to rationally halt tumor progression.