| A main focus of the Ihnat laboratory research is on micrometastatic tumor dormancy, the period from when micrometastatic cancer cells sit down in the secondary organ/site to the time in which they reactivate. We also have studied the environmental toxicology of metals, arsenic and chromium in particular, for many years and we have recently developed a collaborative project looking at the nephrotoxicity of water-soluble components of lignite coal in drinking water.
The Ihnat Laboratory
Our research is focused on preclinical drug development, with a particular emphasis on anticancer therapies. We collaborate extensively with Dr. Randy Gallucci and his immunotoxicology/immunopharmacology team, as well as several other members of the Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, on drug chemistry, formulation, delivery, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and toxicity testing, in addition to animal imaging.
Examples of Ongoing Research Projects:
1. Repurposing Cytotoxic Anticancer Drugs as Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD) Inducers. We are investigating whether FDA-approved anticancer drugs can act as ICD inducers in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and bladder cancer, using both cell culture and animal models. ICD refers to a form of cell death that triggers the immune system, potentially enhancing the body's ability to fight tumors. Our research explores the possibility of combining these ICD inducers with immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs, such as PD-1 inhibitors, to better stimulate the immune system and improve tumor treatment. Additionally, we are studying the specific types of ICD induced by these drugs and seeking methods to amplify these effects without increasing toxicity to the patient.
2. Preclinical Drug Testing. Our lab studies the mode and mechanism of action, efficacy, safety pharmacology, and toxicology of new drugs in development. We use cellular and animal models to assess the safety and effectiveness of these drugs before they progress toward clinical trials.
Our overall lab goal is to contribute to the development of more effective, less toxic drug treatments. |