Cancer Targeting and Therapeutics

Mission

The overarching objective of the Cancer Targeting and Therapeutics (CTT) program at the UF Health Cancer Institute is to accelerate discovery, development and clinical translation of targeted small molecule and bio-therapies.

This research is done by engaging key cancer pathways and identifying and developing novel biomarkers, assays and methods for rapid agent selection and clinical translation as part of precision oncology approaches. The program engages members of all four UF Health Cancer Institute programs.

It is implemented by disease group-focused mini-retreats, program meetings and IIT Think Tank (i2T3)-mediated structured facilitation of the translation of discoveries ranging from high-throughput screening initiatives for identification of new therapies for effective and efficient translation into clinical trials. 

In this way, translation of CTT discoveries is systematically facilitated across all programs. Candidate discoveries for clinical development are evaluated by the associate directors for translation & innovation in collaboration with research program leaders for basic, population and clinical research. Concept to trial development is facilitated using IIT Think Tank resources and CRO resources, which include relevant stakeholders (e.g., researchers, institute leadership, Community Scientists), statistical expertise (BCB-SR), representative populations (COE), trainees (CTEP) and key regulatory experience (e.g., FDA IND/IDE application).

Aims

• Aim 1. Discover and Develop Targeted Therapeutics Engaging Key Cancer Pathways.

CTT members discover antineoplastic properties of natural and synthetic products, identify new “druggable” targets by integrating high throughput screening approaches with a variety of genetic, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomic approaches to develop, refine, or combine compounds that interact with key cancer pathways to address CA priority cancers.

• Aim 2. Identify and Develop Novel Biomarkers, Assays, Materials, and Methods to Improve Therapeutic Outcomes.

CTT members develop, characterize, and validate multi-omics driven prognostic and/or predictive biomarkers relevant to improving outcomes in cancer patients. Development of novel tools and assays,  microfluidics devices and both classical and novel spatial-omics approaches provide opportunities to impact patient care or design therapeutic strategies to advance precision oncology. Research being conducted maintains a goal of improving the impact of personalized therapies for patients.

• Aim 3. Apply Novel Concepts for Improvement of Cancer Therapy through Translation.

Engaging members in all four research programs through disease group mini retreats, program meetings, and the i2T3, discoveries ranging from screening interventions to new therapies are effectively and efficiently translated into clinical trials.

Program Co-leaders

Department: Pharmacotherapy & Translational Research

Jatinder Lamba Ph.D., M.Sc.

Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education; Professor And The Frank A. Duckworth Eminent Scholar Chair

Phone: (352) 594-1270

Email: jatinderklamba@ufl.edu

Department: SR-MM-SPICER LAB

Timothy P Spicer Ph.D.

Senior Scientific Director, Department Of Molecular Medicine

Phone: (561) 228-2150

Email: spicert@ufl.edu

Program Members

To request an update, please email ResearchDevelopment@cancer.ufl.edu.