Sana Karam, MD, PhD
Specialty
Head and Neck Cancer, CNS cancer
Location
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Radiation Oncology
Objective
To use molecular biology and pharmacological inhibitors to target Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and signaling enzymes mediating radioresistance of CNS and head and neck cancers.
Description
Dr. Karam’s laboratory is focused on basic and translational research related to head and neck and CNS cancer. We use molecular, cellular, and preclinical animal models to understand mechanisms of tumor response to radiation treatment. With the goal of developing novel therapeutics we study how targeting members of the Eph gene family, the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases, enhances tumor radiosensitization while limiting radiation toxicity to normal tissue. Our goal is to open IRB approved clinical trials to translate the research findings to patients with these aggressive cancers.