Timeframe: 2010 – 2011 Goals: Research coordination and molecular analysis for FLC Principal Investigators: W. David Hankins, MD Study overview: In addition to coordinating ICARE’s fibrolamellar exploration efforts (described separately) during FCF’s one-year partnership with ICARE, Dr. Hankins’ lab received a “Freedom of Pursuit” unrestricted grant, intended to fund bioinformatics and molecular (DNA, RNA and …
Timeframe: 2010 – 2011 Goals: Identify and launch initial fibrolamellar carcinoma research efforts Principal Investigators: W. David Hankins, MD Study overview: The International Cancer Alliance for Research and Education (ICARE) focuses its programs on building and funding local and international medical academic research teams (I-TEAMS) that identify, initiate and fund cutting-edge research projects to support …
Timeframe: 2010 – 2011 Goal: Understand the developmental biology of fibrolamellar carcinomaPrincipal Investigator: Lola Reid, PhD Study overview: Based on extensive work that Dr. Lola Reid’s Laboratory had already performed on normal liver cells and other forms of liver cancer, the goal of the effort was to attempt to define the development biology stage and …
Timeframe: 2010 – 2011 Goal: Build understanding of the immunology and cell biology of FLC using mouse models of cancer Principal Investigator: Sandy Simon, PhD Study background: This early study was designed to determine if researchers could take advantage of the immune system to identify potential ways to detect and eventually treat fibrolamellar. The immune …
Timeframe: 2010 – 2014 Goal: Assess potential of everolimus (RAD001) as a treatment option for FLC Principal Investigator: Ghassan Abou-Alfa, MD Study background and overview: At the time of this trial, the molecular drive of fibrolamellar, the DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion gene, had not been identified. However, several factors suggested that estrogen and estrogen-dependent pathways may play …
Timeframe: 2010 – 2011 Goal: Develop useful disease models to support subsequent research efforts Principal Investigator: Yuzhou Wang, PhD Study overview: Availability of model system to replicate the disease is an essential tool in development of therapeutics. These model systems can be used by researchers for mechanistic investigations, rapid drug screening, and many other purposes. Model …
Timeframe: 2010 Goal: Identify biomarkers for FLC Principal Investigator: Michael Torbenson, MD (Currently at Mayo Clinic) Study overview: Early identification of tumors is essential for aggressive treatment. The majority of fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) patients have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Therefore, identification of biomarkers for FLC is essential. Using a broad collection of …