William Plunkett, Ph.D. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

NEW DRUGS

Development of New Drugs for CLL

Grant Awarded in 2008

Abstract:

We propose to develop a comprehensive understanding of new CLL agents at an early stage of clinical development as CLL therapies. The underlying hypothesis is that the understanding of their mechanisms of action and also their interaction with other agents in the context of primary CLL cell biology will identify new targets, indicate informative biomarkers, and guide the optimal protocol design for CLL therapy.

Investigations will be conducted in primary CLL cells to maintain the metabolism, survival mechanisms, and stress responses that are unique to the tumor. Knowledge generated in this biological context will guide protocol design with respect to dose, rate, and schedule to maximize the killing of CLL cells. An understanding of the actions of these agents in CLL cells will form the rationale for the design of combinations that could have synergistic effect in killing CLL cells and overcoming resistance mechanisms.