The primary scientific goals of the Cancer Genetics and Metabolism (CGM) Program are to support the clinical, translational, and basic research missions of the Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center (WFBCCC) related to two fundamental hallmarks of cancer: genetic alterations and metabolic reprogramming.
There are numerous unmet needs in these areas for extensive research in mechanism, clinical association, and therapeutic opportunities. Recent discoveries have uncovered the intimate interplay between genetics and metabolism in cancer. Alterations in cellular metabolism are emerging as major risk factors for the development and progression of several types of cancer. Importantly, understanding the mechanisms underlying these novel metabolic pathways offers opportunities for targeted therapies.
Specific Aims
Aim 1: To characterize deregulated cancer genome.Aim 2: To identify novel metabolic vulnerabilities of cancer cells
Aim 3: To leverage the scientific discoveries into novel approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Research Project Highlights
- DNA Maintenance Gatekeeper TREX1 in Cancer and the Innate Immune Response
- Precision Diagnosis - Digital Pathology and AI Linking Genetic Data with Morphology and Imaging Data
- Next Generation Polymeric Fluoropyrimidine (CF10) with Increased Potency over 5-FU
- Novel inhibitors of aryl hydrocarbon receptor- dependent metabolism for enhancement of cancer immunomodulation
- Inhibition of guanylate pools as a novel approach for suppression of RAC1 and tumor cell invasion and metastasis
- Devimistat (CPI-613): Inhibitor of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase and α-Ketogluterate Dehydrogenase
- Safety and tolerability of the first-in-class agent devimistat in combination with modified FOLFIRINOX in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer: a single-center, open-label, dose-escalation, Phase 1 trial
- Phase I study of ribavirin and cobimetinib in patients with RAC1 mutated solid tumors
- Phase I Study of Clofazimine and Pembrolizumab in Patients with Solid Tumors Refractory to PD-1 or PD-L1 Inhibitors
