BUFFALO, NY - Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) has awarded two $20,000 Institutional Research Grants (IRGs) to Naoyuki Saito, MD, PhD, Department of Radiation Medicine, and Ivan Still, PhD, Department of Cancer Genetics. The IRGs are funded by a three-year $120,000 grant to RPCI from the American Cancer Society (ACS) with Youcef Rustum, PhD, Senior Vice President for Science Administration, RPCI, as the principal investigator.

Dr. Saito will study one of the mechanisms by which cancer cells resist the effects of chemotherapy and radiation.  Recent discoveries reveal that many cancer cells, including lymphomas produce a group of proteins known as Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs) that protect cancer cells from undergoing a specific form of death call apoptosis cancer. Dr. Saito and colleagues are designing a series of small molecular drugs that bind to and inhibit the activity of IAPs. This study will determine if these compounds, known as Smac mimetics, may cause irradiated cancer cells to undergo cell death more effectively.

Dr. Still will study how subtle changes (polymorphisms) in the TACC3 protein may change a women’s risk for the development of ovarian cancer. Researchers in this lab have identified this protein as a previously unrecognized player in the development of ovarian cancer and have documented how TACC3 is involved in the processes that normal cells use to remove cell damage. These case controlled studies could determine if screening for TACC3 changes can help identify women at risk for this disease.

“At Roswell Park, we recognize the importance of talented, skilled scientists who will be the future leaders in translating scientific discoveries into cancer treatments of tomorrow,” stated Dr. Rustum. “With this ACS grant, Roswell Park will continue to maintain an environment that supports and encourages the next generation of scientists in cancer research.”  

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. The American Cancer Society Eastern Division has 46 community-based offices, involving thousands of volunteers throughout New York and New Jersey. For 24-hour cancer information, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, or call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org.