Scientific Interest(s):
Dr. Frank Pajonk's research is focused on proteasomes, cancer stem cells and radiation. His lab was the first to identify proteasomes as radiation targets and he co-pioneered the use of proteasome inhibitors like bortezomib in cancer treatment. More recently his lab was the first to describe the radiation resistance of breast cancer stem cells and the underlying mechanisms. Currently his lab explores novel ways to detect and target cancer stem cell in breast cancer, prostate cancer, and glioma.
Selected Cancer-Related Publications:
Vlashi E, Kim K, Lagadec C, Donna LD, McDonald JT, Eghbali M, Sayre JW, Stefani E, McBride W, Pajonk F. In vivo imaging, tracking, and targeting of cancer stem cells. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2009 Mar 4;101(5):350-9. Epub 2009 Feb 24. Erratum in: J Natl Cancer Inst. 2009 Jun 3;101(11):833.
Phillips TM, Kim K, Vlashi E, McBride WH, Pajonk F. Effects of recombinant erythropoietin on breast cancer-initiating cells. Neoplasia. 2007 Dec;9(12):1122-9.
Henke M, Mattern D, BTzay C, Weissenberger C, Werner M, Pajonk F. Do erythropoietin receptors on cancer cells explain unexpected clinical findings? J Clin Oncol. 2006; 24(29): 4708-13.
Phillips T, McBride WH, Pajonk F. The response of CD24-/low/CD44+ breast cancer initiating cells to radiation. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2006; 98(24):1777-1785.
Pajonk F, van Ophoven A, McBride WH. Hyperthermia treatment of prostate cancer cells, heat-induced proteasome inhibition and loss of androgen receptor expression. Cancer Research. 2005; 65(11):4836-43.