Cancer Research

As a tenured Professor of Medicine at Wayne State University (WSU), Dr. Al-Katib is involved in bench research in lymphoma where he heads the Lymphoma Research Laboratory. His research is focused on developing and testing new targeted therapies for cancers of the lymphatic system in animal models. Dr. Al-Katib has established xenograft models for different lymphoid tumors in mice like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, and follicular small cleaved cell lymphoma. These models are widely acknowledged and utilized by investigators world-wide.

Current research involves targeting and disabling selected “bad” genes (oncogenes) like the B-cell lymphoma 2 gene family (Bcl-2) or activating “good” genes (tumor suppressor genes like p53). Such genetic manipulation is accomplished by small molecule inhibitors that selectively target lymphoma cells. Some of these agents are promising and are advancing to clinical trials.

Another research direction in Dr. Al-Katib’s laboratory is to test antibody drug conjugates. This approach builds on the success of monoclonal antibody therapy (like Rituximab) in lymphoma. In one project we tested a new antibody to CD19 antigen conjugated with a cytotoxic agent known as SAR 3419. We found that SAR 3419 was much more effective than chemotherapy or Rituximab.

New treatment agents which are promising in animal model testing will be advanced to clinical trials which will be conducted at the Lymphoma Clinic.

For questions or additional information please contact the Lymphoma Clinic at 313-647-3245.