Department of Immunology
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Elm and Carlton Streets
Buffalo New York USA 14263
Tel: 716-845-8612
Fax: 716-845-8906
E-mail: bonnie.hylander@roswellpark.org

General Research Interest
My research interests focus on understanding unique aspects of tumor biology in order to more effectively develop and apply new cancer therapies. These studies are being carried out using light microscopy, fluorescent microscopy, confocal microscopy and image analysis. One research area involves developing strategies for using newly discovered members of the tumor necrosis factor family, including the molecule known as TRAIL/ Apo2L that preferentially causes apoptosis of tumor cells while sparing normal cells. Using a model system in which patient-derived human tumors are grown in SCID mice, we are carrying out a variety of mechanistic studies that will be used to optimize treatment protocols with the ultimate goal of developing these as therapeutic agents to be evaluated in Clinical Trials. A second project involves using immunohistochemistry to evaluate the expression and distribution of potential tumor antigens within tumor and normal tissues. Thirdly, we are investigating the effect of mild fever-range, whole body hyperthermia on the permeability of abnormal tumor vasculature as this treatment results in improved perfusion of tumor vasculature and may thus facilitate delivery and accumulation of therapeutic molecules to the tumor.

Key Publications

 

• Takuji Naka, Bonnie L Hylander, Y. Rustum, Michael B Widmer and Elizabeth A Repasky. The Effects of TRAIL on a Patient's Colon Tumor Grown in SCID Mice. (submitted)
• Ghamande, S., B.L. Hylander, E. Oflazoglu, S. Lele, W. Fanslow and E. Repasky. Recombinant CD40L therapy has significant anti-tumor effect on CD40 positive ovarian tumor xenografts grown in SCID mice and demonstrates a synergistic effect with cisplatin. Can Res. (accepted). 2001
• Hylander, B.L., R. Pitoniak, R. Penetrante and E.A. Repasky. The anti-tumor effect of TRAIL/ Apo2L on patient derived human pancreatic adenocarcinoma grown in SCID mice. (in preparation).
• Hylander, B.L., X. Chen, P.C.F. Graf and J. Subject. The distribution and localization of hsp110 in brain. Brain Res. 869: 49-55, 2000.