David Hoon, PhD, Director, Department Molecular Oncology and his team at John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John’s Health Center have developed novel blood biomarker assays to help research melanoma, lung and breast cancer, as well as other cancers.  The goal of their research is to find biomarkers with potential clinical utility, and to speed the identification of new drug strategies and treatments.

Dr. Hoon’s team has made great strides in defining specific classes of cancer, analyzing tumor-related genomic changes, and screening FDA-approved and targeted drugs. 

Molecular Diagnostic Techniques

A pioneering study led by Dr. Hoon and his colleagues found that highly sensitive molecular diagnostic techniques can effectively “upstage” early-stage colorectal cancer patients who would normally be declared to be cancer-free when evaluated using conventional tests. 

The findings could lead to better, more sensitive cancer detection methods.  The study may also help scientists develop more consistent ways to identify patients who would benefit the most from adjuvant therapy after surgery for colorectal cancer.

Vitamin A Analog

Researchers at John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John’s Health Center, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles have granted CerRx Inc., worldwide exclusive rights to intellectual property and know-how related to a novel formulation of a synthetic Vitamin A analog used to treat cancer. 

Myles Cabot, PhD, Director, Experimental Therapeutics and his team discovered when combined with certain other drugs or “partnering agents,” the analog 4-HPR (fenretinide) can selectively kill certain types of cancer cells in malignant solid tumors, leukemias and lymphomas.  Fenretinide causes cancer cells to overproduce cellular substances (waxes) that lead to cell death.  Fenretinide appears to be therapeutic when used either as a single agent or in combination with a partnering drug that slows degradation of the lethal waxes.  It can be used in both adults and children, and may be particularly useful in treating recurring or relapsed malignant disease.