In
order to cure cancer, we must first understand how it develops.  It is
well established that DNA mutations in critical oncogenes
and tumor suppressor genes result in loss of critical controls over cell
behavior that contribute the initiation and development of cancer.  The
evolution of a single cell into a growing metastatic population of
heterogeneous cancer involves additional epigenetic and non-genetic molecular,
cellular and tissue-level events.

Dr.
Benbrook developed an organotypic experimental
model that is being used to study the 3-dimensional network of interactions
that can drive and counteract this evolution.

Her collaboration with a fellow North Central College Alumnus, K. Darrell Berlin, PhD, an organic chemist at Oklahoma State
University (OSU), resulted in
development of a lead compound that can prevent the development of cancer in
the organotypic model.  This compound
specifically was developed to possess a low toxicity profile, which has
afforded it's acceptance in the NCI's RAPID Program for preclinical development as a
chemoprevention agent. Click here to view her plan to develop a cancer prevention pill.

Additional
collaboration with Igor
Dozmorov, PhD, a bioinformatician
at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF),
identified key regulatory molecules involved in the biological systems driving
carcinogenesis and chemoprevention in the organotypic
model.  These molecules are being targeted in diagnostic, prognostic,
prevention and treatment strategies.

Stan Lightfoot, MD, an experienced pathologist at
OUHSC and the Oklahoma City
VA serves a crucial role on this
team by interpreting the drug effects on organotypic
and human specimens.

Many
students, residents, fellows and faculty have received training in experimental
and translational research by participating in this research program under the
mentorship of Dr. Benbrook.