Education:
Research Focus:
Dr. Shao’s study is entitled, “Mechanism of acquired resistance to
B-RAF inhibitor in melanoma.” Various genetic alterations have been identified
in melanoma with B-RAF (~50%) and RAS (~15%) mutations being the most common
ones. One B-RAF mutant, V600E, which increases B-RAF kinase activity and
hyperactivates the MEK-ERK 1/2 pathway has been found in about 90% of all mutant
B-RAF melanomas and therefore serves as a good candidate for targeted therapy.
A recently developed inhibitor, PLX4032, blocks B-RAF activation of the
MEK-ERK 1/2 pathway selectively in mutant B-RAF cells. PLX4032 achieved a
striking 78% responsive rate with >30% tumor regression in a phase I clinic
trial on mutant B-RAF (V600E) patients indicating a cytotoxic effect of this
inhibitor.
The study is hoped to provide valuable knowledge on the molecular basis
of drug resistance in melanoma.
2011 Outrun the Sun Melanoma Research and Education Forum:
Yongping Shao - Power Point Slides
Yongping Shao - Audio
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