Recent publications

Claudio researches anti-glioblastoma drug candidates 

A study titled “Bypassing Blood-Brain Barrier and Glucose Dependency of Anti-Glioblastoma Drug Candidates Targeting Mitochondrial Respiration” that included research by Dr. Pier Paolo Claudio, professor of pharmacology and toxicology and a CCRI member, was published in the July issue of The Journal of Cellular Physiology. 

The publication addresses two therapeutic obstacles affecting glioblastoma patients: temozolomide resistance and low ability of anticancer drugs to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. A novel mitochondria-targeting drug candidate, PP211, which effectively crosses the BBB, overcomes temozolomide resistance and induces tumor cell death independently of glucose levels while exhibiting minimal systemic toxicity in preclinical models. These findings support further development of PP211 for glioblastoma therapy. 

Jacob’s research on cholangiocarcinoma published in Diseases 

Research by Dr. Rojymon Jacob, chair of radiation oncology at UMMC and a CCRI member, has been published in the journal Diseases.  

“Impact of Race on Admission, Clinical Outcomes, and Disposition in Cholangiocarcinoma: Insights from the National Inpatient Database” highlights the healthcare strategies and policy reforms to promote equitable treatment while mitigating disparities and improving cholangiocarcinoma outcomes.  

Cholangiocarcinoma and especially intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma have been rising in the U.S. Several studies show that, from 2001 to 2017, the incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma nearly doubled. Jacob’s research shows that there are racial disparities among cholangiocarcinoma hospitalizations, with African American, Native American and Asian patients facing disproportionately higher mortality and poorer in-hospital outcomes than white patients.