George W. Sledge, MD
Ballve Professor of Medicine and Pathology
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
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BCRF-funded studies at Indiana University led to crucial proof-of concept trials targeting new blood vessel formation (anti-angiogenic therapy). Dr. Sledge and his team are currently examining 1) the interaction of subtle genetic changes in the host (called single nucleotide polymorphisms) with new blood vessel formation in breast cancer patients; 2) the development of resistance to VEGF- targeting agents, and means by which the development of resistance to these agents might be prevented.
In the coming year, the researchers will focus on novel aspects of breast cancer angiogenesis. They aim to understand the role of bevacizumab-induced effects on host biology as well as on tumor biology by analyzing plasma miRNA profiles in vivo. They will also investigate the mechanisms of bevacizumab therapy with novel targets to decrease the drug-induced invasive phenotype in breast cancer.
Mid-Year Progress Report:
Dr. Sledge and his colleagues have focused on two aspects of work during the current funding period. 1) the interaction of subtle genetic changes in the host (called single nucleotide polymorphisms) with new blood vessel formation in breast cancer patients; and 2) the development of resistance to VEGF-targeting agents, and means by which we might prevent the development of resistance to these agents.
Bio:
George Sledge is Professor of Medicine and Pathology at the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he is the Ballve-Lantero Professor of Oncology (Endowed Chair). He is the author of more than 100 scientific publications, most of which deal with the biology and treatment of breast cancer. He serves on numerous national committees, including the Food and Drug Administration's Oncology Drug Advisory Committee and the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program's Integration Panel. He is Editor-In-Chief of the journal Clinical Breast Cancer, is currently chairman of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group's Breast Cancer Committee, and serves as a board member for the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Dr. Sledge's work has focused in recent years on novel biologic therapies for breast cancer. He has led a recent Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group trial examining the safety of trastuzumab and paclitaxel as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer, and led the first ever trial of anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody for metastatic breast cancer. His laboratory interests, supported by The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, have investigated novel anti-angiogenic therapies (treatments designed to prevent the development of new blood vessels in human cancers).
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