Surgery

E-mail: matt.firpo@hsc.utah.edu
Address: 207 Wintrobe
Phone: 587-9049

Mouse Models of Pancreatic Cancer

Research description: A continuing effort in our lab is to study the mechanisms of pancreatic cancer growth, progression, and metastasis as well as to evaluate potential therapies. We use both orthotopic and ectopic nude mouse models implanted with stably transfected human pancreatic cancer cell lines and monitor tumor development and metastasis using intravital imaging. Specific projects include:

1) Evaluation of serum marker levels during cancer progression and metastasis using ELISA and Western blots.
2) Determination of the potential contribution of tumor expression to serum levels of specific markers.
3) Evaluation of chemotherapeutic interventions on tumor growth and metastasis.
4) Correlation of genetic mutations in the cell lines to tumor growth and metastasis.

Most of the above projects will involve microsurgery. Students will be expected to participate in weekly Department of Surgery Research-in-Progress meetings. Collaborators on these projects include, Dr. Sean Mulvihill, Dept. of Surgery, Dr. Glenn Prestwich, Dept. of Medicinal Chemistry, Dr. Ray Lee, Dept. of Internal Medicine, and Dr. Courtney Scaife, Dept. of Surgery.

Does this research involve human subjects or animals? Yes

If yes, what is the protocol number? pending

11/2004