Research Q & A

Christy — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:28:13 +0000

RESEARCHER Q&A

Craig Okada, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Okada is assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University. He is a recipient of an LLS Translational Research Program grant for his cutting-edge lymphoma research.Dr. Okada, what are you and your team working on?
We are developing an immunotherapeutic approach to the treatment of T-cell malignancies. We are using monoclonal antibodies that bind to a unique molecule found on the surface of different lymphoma cells (TCR idiotype) and combining antibodies with tumor TCR vaccine.

What’s novel or innovative about this approach?
Using monoclonal antibodies and TCR idiotype vaccine may be able to more specifically attack tumor cells without injuring normal immune cells. The vaccine will hopefully stimulate long lived anti-tumor activity, reducing the risk of recurrent disease.How will it one day help patients?
Patients with T-cell lymphoma tend to have a less favorable outcome than patients with B-cell lymphoma, the most common form of the disease. We hope that developing T-cell lymphoma specific treatments will improve the treatment for these patients.

Are you close to clinical trials?
We are still several years from clinical trials.

What other projects are you excited about and believe will benefit patients?
There are several new drugs that have anti-tumor activity in T-cell malignancies. We are actively determining in clinical trials how well they work and if they can be used in combination with older drugs without adding significant toxicities.

What are some of your hobbies and non-research interests?
When I am not working in the laboratory or seeing patients, I enjoy hiking, rock climbing and spending time with my family.

Article Courtsey of LLS Please visit www.lls.org for more information.

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Research Q & A