Research Track

Our lab (Arcaroli/Messersmith) aims to translate benchtop findings from cancer cell lines/animal models into clinical trials with the overarching goal of developing better treatment for gastrointestinal cancers.  We focus on colorectal and pancreas cancer, with a therapeutic strategy of blocking signal transduction pathways that cancer cells use to grow, spread, produce blood vessels, etc.  We also analyze human samples from clinical trials in order to directly test the hypotheses developed in the laboratory.  We have a special interest in directly targeting cancer stem calls.  Finally, we work on combining anti-cancer drugs in a rational manner based on solid laboratory data.  Current signal transduction pathways under study include Src, Notch, and Hedgehog.