2009 Free to Breathe Young Investigator Research Grant
Stephen Malkoski, MD, PhD
University of Colorado, Denver
Research Project:
Identifying Defects Supporting Lung Cancer Growth
Summary:
During tumor development, cancer cells interact with surrounding non-cancerous cells that can support or inhibit tumor growth. TGFß is a protein that regulates normal lung growth. Dr. Malkoski is examining whether defects in TGFß in surrounding lung tissue create an environment that supports lung cancer growth. This research may eventually provide opportunities to identify new lung cancer therapies that target the tumor environment.