A primary focus of our research has been on the enzyme aromatase. Because of its key role in estrogen biosynthesis, we have investigated aromatase as a target for developing potent and selective inhibitors and their use in the treatment of breast cancer. This has led to a new class of agents for breast cancer treatment and three compounds are now approved for use by the FDA.

We are currently studying strategies to optimize the efficacy of these agents and estrogen receptor antagonist based on molecular mechanisms in order to improve the treatment of breast cancer and also to prevent breast cancer. We have developed unique model systems using aromatase transfected cells to determine the effects of these agents on gene expression in proliferation and apoptosis as well as on adaptive changes, such as modulation of the estrogen receptor and steroid co-activators which occur during treatment with aromatase inhibitors and antiestrogens. In prostate cancer research, we have recently patented a number of novel compounds that inhibit androgen synthesis as well as androgen action as potential new therapies.

Current studies are determining the interaction of these compounds with the androgen receptor and its mutations, their effects on cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis in vitro and in animal models.