Thomas Flaig, MD
Category
Genitourinary (GU) malignancies
Specialty
Medical Oncology
Location
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Objectives
Develop new therapies for the treatment of urologic cancers
Description
Our laboratory is exploring multiple new methods for treating urologic cancers. Bladder cancer is a significantly neglected cancer in terms of research attention. While it is the sixth most common cancer in humans, there have been no major treatment improvements until the recent approval of new immune checkpoint inhibitors.
In superficial bladder cancer, we continue to use the only modestly effective treatments discovered in the 1970’s. Our work in looking for new treatment approaches includes integration of nano-technology, toxic fusion protein therapy and small molecule inhibitors testing. Another major thrust in our group is the use of RNA expression to predict and better understand traditional chemotherapy resistance in bladder cancer.
We also have active research projects in the characterization and treatment of prostate cancer, with potential opportunities in that area as well. We are currently examining the causes of resistance to highly active androgen therapy and the therapeutic use of testosterone. Opportunities for summer students include bench work focused on the evaluation of new treatments with a focus on cell culture technique and cell viability. Other techniques such as QT-PCR and Western blotting may be utilized as needed.
Opportunities for summer students include bench work focused on the evaluation of new treatments with a focus on cell culture technique and cell viability. Other techniques such as QT-PCR and Western blotting may be utilized as needed.