LAB SCIENCE
Using basic science to block uncontrolled cancer cell growth.
• Dr. Tom Cech, discovered how an enzyme named Telomerase (that is switched on in almost all cancers), keeps the tumor cells growing. With this knowledge, the scientists working with Dr. Cech, hope to design drugs that will interfere with the action and stop cancer in its tracks.
• Dr. William Robinson discovered a protein that increased production of white blood cells in response to infection. This discovery led to a development and clinical use of a drug Nupogen, which prevents low blood counts after chemotherapy.
• Dr. Jim Maller located the enzyme in frogs that controls cell division. This same enzyme was found in human cells by Drs. Robert Sclafani and Thomas Langan and was shown to be misregulated in many human cancer cells.
• Basic research conducted by Dr. Ted Puck set up a classification system for human chromosomes. This system allowed the identification of locations on the chromosome that cause certain Leukemias. Knowledge of the locations on the chromosome led to more effective therapy with drugs such as Gleevec, which is oral and has few side effects.
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