Gastrointestinal Cancer Program Summary

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The goal of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Program (GICP) is to integrate basic investigations in GI cancer biology with epidemiological studies of GI cancers, in order to develop better methods of GI cancer detection, prevention and treatment. The GICP approaches this goal through basic studies in biochemistry, cell biology and genetics of GI cancers. Program project grants have promoted interactions between basic and clinical scientists. The specific aims of the GICP are as follows:  

• To promote investigations of basic principles of GI carcinogenesis. GICP research in GI carcinogenesis is supported by R01 and P01 type research grants and emphasizes investigations on the roles of genetic and intestinal luminal risk factors that influence GI cancer risk. Genetic risk factors under active investigation include the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and p53 tumor suppressor genes and a variety of oncogenes affecting pathways signaling normal development and function of cells in the GI tract, and GI neoplasia. Intestinal luminal risk factors of special interest include bile acids and dietary components, such as selenium, which have been associated with cancer risk.

• To develop novel genetic, biochemical, immunohistochemical and/or physical methodologies to improve GI cancer risk assessment or early detection of GI cancers. Effective and widely adopted early detection methods have contributed to dramatic reductions in cancer mortality for certain cancers such as cervix. However colon cancer, very treatable in the early stage, still goes undetected until it has reached an advanced stage in almost 65% of cases. Rates of early detection of colon, esophageal and pancreatic cancers are also low. Advanced stages of colon and esophageal cancer have 5-year survival rates of less than 15%. Research projects addressing this aim are supported by individual peer-reviewed, P01 and SPORE grants.

• To identify novel strategies for treatment of GI intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN) and of advanced malignancies. The recent funding of our SPORE in GI Cancer will further facilitate translational studies, extending experimental findings into clinical investigations, which has always been an important programmatic goal. 

The SPORE includes funding for pilot projects and career development. These resources will be used to support high quality projects and attract new talent to the GI program.

 

For more information, please contact: 

Eugene W. Gerner, Ph.D.

Director, Gastrointestinal Cancer Program

(520) 626-2197

Fax:  (520) 626-4480

e-mail:  egerner@azcc.arizona.edu

 

 

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