Targeted therapies for Kaposi sarcoma and KSHV-multicentric Castleman disease

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

In my role as a viral oncologist, I have been involved in developing studies for patients with virus-associated cancers. Thus far, the funding has provided resources to improve the study of Kaposi sarcoma tissues in patients with and without HIV. Other diseases evaluated in this project include other KSHV-associated disorders, namely - multicentric Castleman disease and primary effusion lymphoma to identify any circulation or tissue-based biomarkers that explain why these diseases arise and why they often arise concurrently in the same patient. To identify this, I have been working with both collaborators within and outside the NIH. This will help easily identify these diseases when they occur and decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with these conditions. This project also allows me to develop prospective clinical trials - this includes the of NHS-IL12 in KS, abemaciclib in KS, IL7 in KS and pacritinib in MCD and KICS. Furthermore I lead natural history studies to evaluate the longitudinal evaluation of these diseases that help us better understand how these diseases occur and cause significant impact in people over time. These studies cannot be done in other settings as the NIH is a referral center for these rare cancers. Furthermore, these cancers are often missed or underdiagnosed in other settings. With regards to research accomplishments, the abemaciclib study in KS utilizes a breast cancer drug for KS and results in a response rate of 84%, therefore providing a novel treatment option for patients with this disease. This study has been well-received by the medical community and we are seeking ways to ensure there is access to this therapy in the community for patients with KS.