Francisco J. Esteva, MD, PhD

2009-2010 BCRF Project:
The goal of this project is to develop predictive markers of response to trastuzumab (Herceptin)-based therapy in breast cancer patients. The researchers found that loss of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN is associated with trastuzumab resistance. They are currently evaluating the role of mutations in HER family members and how these genes predict response to trastuzumab-based therapy.

Mid-Year Progress Report:
The goal of this project is to identify predictive markers of response to HER2-directed therapy for breast cancer. Dr. Esteva and his team found that alterations in the PI3K/PTEN pathway are associated with trastuzumab resistance. They are currently evaluating the role of mutations in HER family members and how these genes predict response to HER2-directed therapy.

Bio:
Dr. Esteva received his MD and PhD degrees from the University of Zaragoza School of Medicine in Spain. He completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center (Camden, NJ). He continued on to Georgetown University Medical Center (Washington, DC) for a clinical fellowship in medical oncology at the Vincent T. Lombardi Cancer Center. Dr. Esteva is board certified in medical oncology, and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. In 2010 Dr. Esteva was inducted as a member of the American Society of Clinical Investigation.

Dr. Esteva has served on the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)'s Scientific Program Committee and Education Committee; and as faculty for the ASCO annual meeting for several years. He is a member of the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) Breast Cancer Committee. He was awarded a Career Development Award from the NCI in 1999. He is a co-author in over 100 publications including peer-reviewed research articles, invited reviews and book chapters.