Leukemia Biology Program
Genotoxicity is an area of focus for the Division of Experimental Hematology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. A major class of effective chemotherapy (called alkylating agents) and radiation destroy tumor cells by creating DNA damage. The sensitivity of tumor cells, and normal cells which are also killed, to these agents is due in large part to the capacity of the cell to repair and survive this DNA damage. All cells have evolved a complex set of repair pathways to deal with DNA damage. Some tumor cells evolve resistance to chemotherapy by enhancing the function of one or more of these pathways. In addition, individuals vary widely in response to DNA damaging agents based in part on genetic differences.
The Experimental Hematology Division will focus on developing a better understanding of the genotypic variations affecting drug metabolism, and DNA repair pathways related to chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments and attempt to utilize this knowledge to improve tumor sensitivity and increase resistance of normal cells. The ultimate goal of this work is to improve treatment outcomes by increasing the therapeutic window of therapies, allowing increased dose intensity.
To learn more about the interests of the researchers in the leukemia biology laboratories at Cincinnati Children's visit the following sites:
Leukemia Biology Program
Stella Davies, MB BS, PhD, MRCP - Program Leader (Division of Hematology/Oncology)
James Mulloy, PhD
Paul R. Andreassen, PhD
For further information regarding the Leukemia Biology program, please contact Dr. Stella Davies at 513-636-1371. For additional information about the Division of Experimental Hematology, please contact Dr. David Williams at 513-636-0364. The Division of Experimental Hematology can be found in Room 6529 of Location R (Research Foundation Building).
