Dr. Graham [Damon Runyon-Novartis Clinical Investigator] investigates new treatments for childhood leukemias and lymphomas.  Current therapies for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common pediatric cancer, are effective but have severe short and long term side effects.  More targeted and less toxic therapies are needed.   Dr. Graham has identified the Mer tyrosine kinase as a critical mediator of leukemogenesis and has developed two new drugs that block Mer action.   He plans to test the activity of these new compounds in mouse models of ALL and move these promising new agents into the clinic for the treatment of this deadly childhood cancer.

Recent Discoveries and Honors:

• July 30, 2009 > Identification of a new therapeutic target for pediatric leukemia

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Project Title: "Novel biologic agents targeting the Mer receptor tyrosine kinase in the treatment of pediatric T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia"

Institution: University of Colorado Denver

Sponsor(s) / Mentor(s): James V. DeGregori, PhD & Sue Gail Eckhardt, MD

Cancer Type: Leukemias, Lymphomas

Research Area: Drug Discovery