Four researchers at Siteman Cancer Center, based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, received Siteman Catalyst Awards on Apr. 17 to support innovative early-stage cancer research projects. Each awardee will receive $100,000 to pursue new ideas that have strong potential but are not yet eligible for traditional funding.
The awards aim to advance promising science from the laboratory toward improvements in cancer care. The funded projects focus on protecting cognitive function after brain radiation, developing targeted leukemia therapies, improving breast cancer risk prediction related to BRCA1 gene mutations, and finding new ways to treat pancreatic cancer that has spread within the abdomen.
Adam Bauer, PhD, associate professor of radiology and biomedical engineering, is researching whether a drug called azeliragon can protect memory and thinking abilities in patients who undergo whole-brain radiation. His team will use optical neuroimaging in mice to identify biomarkers of cognitive decline caused by radiation and test if inhibiting neuroinflammation can prevent these effects.
Alireza Ghanbarpour, PhD, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics, is investigating how the ClpXP protein complex supports energy production in leukemia cells. By understanding how this system works in mitochondria under stress conditions typical for cancer cells, Ghanbarpour hopes his findings will guide the development of more selective leukemia treatments with fewer side effects.
Priyanka Verma, PhD, associate professor of medicine, aims to create a platform that uses genetic information—specifically BRCA1 gene mutations—to predict an individual’s risk for developing breast cancer. Early identification could help patients take preventive measures sooner.
Max Wattenberg, MD, associate professor of medicine, is studying immune system interactions with pancreatic cancer cells that have spread to the peritoneum—the lining of the abdomen—in order to develop new treatment strategies for these difficult-to-treat metastases.
Located in Saint Louis, Missouri,Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital was founded in 1999. Its current president is Timothy Eberlein. The hospital also features a pediatric ward and serves as a training hospital according to its background.
