| by Joseph G. Hacia, Ph.D.
Volume 4/Number 2
|  | | Dr. Hacia, Vincent Ho (whose salary was supported by V Foundation grant), Brian Pike (graduate student), Mazen Karaman (post doctoral fellow) and Shailender Nagpal (graduate student) | When I first received my V Scholar grant in 2002, I was beginning my second year as an Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. I was, and continue to be, interested in understanding the genetic changes that are responsible for the development and progression of various types of lymphomas. By identifying the important genetic changes that occur in these diseases, we can help physicians identify these diseases in a more precise manner and prescribe the most effective medical treatment that is specifically tailored to the needs of individual patients. My research group at the time consisted of a single laboratory technician, Vincent Ho, and myself. The V Scholar program allowed me to continue to retain Vincent, who has been an incredible resource for my laboratory in our genetic characterization of lymphomas.
During the first year of funding, my laboratory has used The V Foundation Award to complete a study aimed at identifying those lymphoma cases that have genetic defects in the ATM gene. This gene plays a vital role in regulating when cells divide and also if they die when exposed to radiation. We hypothesized that lymphomas with defects in this gene could be especially sensitive to certain types of chemotherapy. Specifically, we have found that more than 35 percent of mantle cell lymphomas have genetic defects in the ATM genes. This work has resulted in a publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences and also an additional manuscript that we are submitting for publication early in 2005.
Our genetic analyses indicate that a specific subset of mantle cell lymphoma cases could respond better to radiation therapy than others. Given the limited effectiveness of current treatments for mantle cell lymphoma, this could provide an interesting avenue of research to explore. In addition, we are seeking to define differences in the relative activities of genes in mantle cell lymphomas as well as in AIDS-related lymphomas. This provides yet another means of understanding key genetic defects in these disorders and predicting responses to different types of therapy.
I have a deep gratitude for The V Foundation for supporting my research program. It is an inspiration to know that the dedicated individuals at The V Foundation are continuing to fight the good fight and striving to eradicate cancer. Prior to receiving The V Foundation award, I knew of Jim Valvano through his achievements in sports and the courage he showed in his fight with cancer. After receiving the award, I read more about his background, philosophies and overall approach towards life. He truly was a remarkable man who continues to be an inspiration and lives on in the hearts of the many people whom he has directly or indirectly touched through the efforts of The V Foundation. So when life is tough and I feel weary from the many little battles everyone has to wage in their lives, I sometimes think of the motto of The V Foundation, “Don’t Give Up. . .Don’t Ever Give Up” and am inspired to fight on. I am certain that eventually we will succeed in the fight against cancer. It’s the undying faith and persistence exemplified by The V Foundation that will lead us to victory. | ..............................................................................................................................
Editor's Note: | | Joseph G. Hacia, Ph.D., is a 2002 V Scholar at the University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is studying Molecular Characterization of Aids-related Lymphomas at The Institute for Genetic Medicine at USC. |
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My V Grant - Funded Researchers Tell Their Stories 
