Solid Tumor Therapeutics Program (STTP)

Program Co-Leaders

• Ramaswamy Govindan, MD
• Stephanie Markovina, MD, PhD
• Christopher Maher, PhD

Overview of the Program

The Solid Tumor Therapeutics Program (STTP) is focused on discovering somatic and germline genomic alterations that are either shared or unique across various solid tumor malignancies, and translating these discoveries into novel therapeutics that will improve the quality of life and survival for cancer patients. Two fundamental thematic areas (Genomics Technologies and Discovery, and Developmental Therapeutics [DT]) were organized to promote disease-specific studies in neuro, head and neck, thoracic, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and gynecologic oncology. The STTP is coordinated through a leadership committee, research meetings, seminars, retreats, and other educational activities. Training for junior investigators is implemented through a mentorship plan and is supported through NCI-funded T32 (HD007499), K12 (CA167540), and Clinical and Translational Scientific Award (CTSA) educational programs.

Aims of the STTP

We identified areas of institutional strength and developed three research aims for the next project period.

1. Define mechanisms of therapeutic response and resistance and identify actionable vulnerabilities.
2. Define mechanisms governing tumor evolution and metastatic dissemination.
3. Accelerate the translation of basic and preclinical findings to investigator-initiated clinical trials that address critical catchment-specific cancer needs.

These aims are designed to elucidate the effects of genetic instabilities, DNA repair defects, and specific inhibitors on solid tumor initiation, maintenance, progression, and chemoresistance.

Recorded program seminars and events are available at this link on WUSTL Box.