The Jensen lab is interested in both benign and malignant
brain tumor angiogenesis, biology, and developing novel treatment modalities
for these tumors. The first emphasis is on the role of Hypoxia-Inducible
Factor-1 in maligant brain tumor angiogenesis and growth. We are currently
using siRNA techniques to inhibit HIF-1 in mouse tumor models with hopes
of initiating human clinical trials in the near future. A second emphasis
is toward an understanding of the biology of and the treatment of unresectable
or recurrent meningiomas. Current investigations include the use of calcium
channel antagonists to potentiate common chemotherapeutic approaches to
the treatment of meningiomas. We have also examined the role of COX-2
in meningioma development and growth. We have successfully inhibited the
growth of meningiomas with COX-2 inhibitiors. To better understand meningioma
biology, we have developed animal models and evaluated currently available
cell lines. Our hope is to provide cutting edge approaches to treat both
benign and maligant brain tumors and transition these to Phase I Human
clinical trials.
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