8/26/2005

A. Chemical and Biochemical Reactions of Dithiolethiones in Certain Foods

Dr. Kent Gates, CRC award recipient and Dr. Donna Zhang, Postdoctoral Fellow
We are seeking to understand the chemical and biological mechanisms by which synthetic and naturally occurring compounds (such as those found in foods like broccoli and cauliflower) can prevent cancer in humans.
Bottom Line: An understanding of how these “anti-carcinogenic” compounds prevent cancer will ultimately allow us to rationally design cancer-preventive diets and dietary supplements.

B. Ultrasonic Detection and Characterization of Endocrine Responsive Cancers

Dr. Steven P. Neal, CRC award recipient and Dr. Thad Wilson, Postdoctoral Fellow
In collaboration with Dr. Boote from the Radiology Department at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Dr. Neal has used the Cancer Research Center Fellowship to support the investigation of ultrasonic scattering processes in cancerous and benign prostate tissue. The long-term goals of the research include improving the effectiveness of ultrasound guided needle biopsies of the prostate and ultrasound based screening for prostate cancer.
Bottom Line: This innovative technique will lead to improved diagnostics, as well as to reduce anxiety of the patient.

C. Development of Effective Immunological Diagnostic Peptides

Professor George Smith, CRC award recipient and Dr. Leslie Matthews, Postdoctoral Fellow
This research project takes a new approach to understanding the body’s response to cancer. The principal assumption is that some type of “marker” or sign is generated by the immune system in response to disease, even in diseases that are not infectious or inherited. If this assumption is true then these markers must exist for cancer. These signature substances can then serve as the basis for highly sensitive diagnostic tests that may detect changes in the body before clinical signs appear. These markers may also serve as anti-cancer vaccine components. Bottom Line: The use of small peptides as antigen-antibody components, in place of large, natural, immunological components, should lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.