Pamela S. Becker, MD, PhD

Dr. Becker is pursuing several areas of research investigation, including 1) the mechanism of adhesion mediated chemotherapy resistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 2) hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy for an inherited disorder of DNA repair, Fanconi anemia, 3) precision therapy for AML and multiple myeloma based on custom high throughput drug sensitivity testing.

Optimizing therapy of hematological malignancies

Environment mediated chemotherapy resistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and multiple myeloma

We have performed extensive analysis of the interaction of acute myeloid leukemia or multiple myeloma with the bone marrow microenvironment, focusing on receptors such as VLA-4, CXCR-4 and CD44/E-selectin ligand. We test novel combinations of chemotherapy with agents that disrupt adhesion of leukemia or myeloma cells in the laboratory, with the goal of development of new clinical trials in patients.

Personalized therapy of AML

Our goal is to better predict outcomes in AML based on in vitro high throughput drug sensitivity assays in combination with genomic information and gene expression, and develop new treatments for AML with novel targeted agents.

Gene therapy for inherited stem cell disorders

We performed the preclinical studies with a lentiviral vector in support of a gene therapy clinical trial for Fanconi (aplastic) anemia that is currently open for enrollment