Tumor Hypoxia, the Warburg Effect, and Multidrug Resistance: Modulation of Hypoxia Induced MDR Using EGFR Targeted Polymer Blend Nanocarriers for Combination Paclitaxel/Lonidamine Therapy

Student: Lara Milane
Department: Pharmaceutical Sciences
Advisor: Mansoor Amiji

Abstract

The clinical focus of Lara’s work is Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) cancer. MDR cancer is most often implicated in cases of recurrent, non-responsive disease and is a significant obstacle in the treatment of cancer. Common treatment regimens accompanied by the non-specific character of traditional chemotherapeutics inadvertently foster the development of acquired MDR. As such, current treatment options do not adequately address the treatment of MDR cancer.
The biological focus of Lara’s work is to explore the relationship between the hypoxic microenvironment of a tumor, the development of MDR, and the energetic profile characteristic of the Warburg effect (aerobic glycolysis). The therapeutic aim of Lara’s research is to develop an actively targeted nanocarrier system for combination (paclitaxel/lonidamine) therapy for the treatment of MDR cancer. Lara is conducting a complete pre-clinical evaluation of this drug delivery system including in vivo studies evaluating the therapeutic efficacy, safety, biodistribution, and pharmacokinetic parameters in an orthotopic model of triple negative breast cancer.
In addition to her primary research, Lara is involved in many interdisciplinary collaborations. Lara is also an advocate for K-12 and community outreach; she developed the IGERT “Introduction to the Nanoworld” platform and is perpetually involved in the education of local youth.