American Cancer Society Diversity In Cancer Research Institutional Development Grant

Research Title: Religion and Science: An examination of trusted sources for cancer information, cancer beliefs, and colon cancer screening among U.S. Adults  Summary: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Poor health behaviors are known contributors to cancer risk; yet little is known about the cancer-related risk perceptions, and cancer information seeking preferences of U.S. adults.  Health behaviors occur in the context of social and ecological conditions, such as religious beliefs, which are hypothesized to influence health-related decision-making.  Despite this growing trend, it is unclear how trust in sources for cancer information impacts adoption of cancer screening recommendations. Study findings will inform health communication and public health professionals regarding the need to collaboratively engage doctors and religious organizations and leaders for colon cancer screening interventions. The research will support the basis for developing culturally tailored interventions to promote colon cancer screening for clinical and faith-based settings.

Research Title: Targeted Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Summary: While most head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumors arise from chronic alcohol and tobacco exposure, an increasing proportion are caused by high-rick human papilloma viruses (HPV), especially HPV types 16 and 18. There are no effective approaches for early diagnosis, as about two-thirds of newly diagnosed patients present with advanced-stage disease, often with locoregional lymph node metastases, leading to a poor 5-year progression- free survival for HNSCC patients at approximately 40%. This study aims to evaluate the potential of chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) positron emission tomography (PET) dynamic imaging for early detection of HNSCC.

Research Title: Role of STING in the antitumor immunity of immunotoxin against HNSCC  Summary: Immunotoxin targeting tumor-specific antigen has shown marked efficacy in treating certain hematopoietic malignancies as well as some solid rumors via activating immune responses. However, the mechanisms of immunotoxin-induced antitumor immunity remain unclear. The study aims to investigate the role of tumor cell-intrinsic stimulator of interferon genes (STING) in mediating the antitumor immunity of a tumor antigen-targeted immunotoxin against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Research Title: Sequential passive-active targeted delivery of niosomal combinations drugs for colorectal cancer treatment Summary: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the deadliest of malignancies, ranking 2 nd to lung cancer in males and 3 rd in females. CRC mortality is 36% higher among African American than other ethnic groups. >50% of CRC are diagnosed at advanced stages, with chemotherapy as the main option. Resistance to these chemotherapeutic agents is increasing, and severe adverse effects(ADEs) are being reported. Improving therapeutic efficacy and ADEs requires focused attention on targeted drug delivery using biomarkers on cancer cells. To overcome the identified problems, we will develop targeted pegylated niosomes loaded with two cytotoxic agents (DRUG-ACRC1 and DRUG-BACRC2) for oral delivery.

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