Solid Tumor Therapeutics Program (STTP)

Program Co-Leaders: Ramaswamy Govindan, MD; Ryan Fields, MD; and Christopher Maher, PhD

Overview:

The Solid Tumor Therapeutics Program (STTP) is focused on discovering somatic and germline genomic alterations that are either shared or unique across various solid tumor malignancies, and translating these discoveries into novel therapeutics that will improve the quality of life and survival for cancer patients. Two fundamental thematic areas (Genomics Technologies and Discovery, and Developmental Therapeutics [DT]) were organized to promote disease-specific studies in neuro, head and neck, thoracic, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and gynecologic oncology. The STTP is coordinated through a leadership committee, research meetings, seminars, retreats, and other educational activities. Training for junior investigators is implemented through a mentorship plan and is supported through NCI-funded T32 (HD007499), K12 (CA167540), and Clinical and Translational Scientific Award (CTSA) educational programs.

Aims:

We identified areas of institutional strength and developed three research aims for the next project period.

  1. Develop innovative therapeutic strategies by identifying genomic, epigenomic, proteomic, and metabolomic (‘omic) alterations that occur in solid tumors and by mapping their spatiotemporal evolution using preclinical models and tumor specimens.
  2. Determine how genomic alterations interact with immune landscapes in solid tumor malignancies; identifying these potential synergies will improve therapeutic outcomes.
  3. Explore the relationships among germline variants and their effects on cancer susceptibility and treatment in solid tumor malignancies, and evaluate sex-specific effects on cancer biology.

These aims are designed to elucidate the effects of genetic instabilities, DNA repair defects, and specific inhibitors on solid tumor initiation, maintenance, progression, and chemoresistance.

Learn more about the PDX Development and Trial Center led by STTP members

Recorded program seminars and events are available at this link on WUSTL Box.