News
Research in full bloom
Fort Wayne, Indiana (June 1, 2009) — At the turn of the last century, “malignant diabetes” was considered a terminal illness, Harikrishna Nakshatri, Ph.D., a clinical researcher at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, says. “It is my hope and belief that through research currently underway, in the very near future, breast cancer will become a manageable disease, like diabetes is today.”
The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research Laboratories at the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis opened in January of 2009 for a 34-member breast cancer team to continue their work. The hope expressed by Dr. Nakshatri is shared by all the members of this gifted team of researchers co-led by George Sledge, M.D., co-leader of the Breast Cancer Program at IU Simon Cancer Center, and Linda Malkas, Ph.D., Vera Bradley Chair in Oncology. The team continues to move cohesively toward a common goal of finding a cure for breast cancer by integrating laboratory and translational (clinical) scientists with surgical oncologists. Here, we get up close and personal with three of the doctors behind the research.
Harikrishna Nakshatri,
B.V. Sc., Ph.D.
Clinical Researcher
Research Focus: Scientific research with an emphasis on understanding the mechanisms of resistance to anti-estrogen receptors and chemotherapy in breast cancer, and molecular and environmental carcinogenesis. He is also involved in a project investigating cancer stem cells and how they may help in determining where cancer will metastasize. Dr. Nakshatri’s research involving parthenolid analog may help breast cancer patients as a chemo sensitizer, lowering protein activity and thereby increasing the effectiveness of the chemotherapy.
His Career Path: Started out in veterinary medicine working on large animals, specializing in cows.
Moment of Truth: Born in Bangalore, India, his marriage of 17 years was arranged by family. It took all of two weeks for him to fall in love with his wife, who is a research associate at the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, and find that they had more than a passion for research and travel in common.
Can’t Live Without: His wife and two beautiful daughters.
Fun Fact: He enjoys cooking and practices a strict vegetarian lifestyle, with a preference for Indian and Italian foods.
Bryan Schneider, M.D.
Translational Oncologist
Research Focus: His primary emphasis is studying genetics and therapeutic individualization. His goal is to make the shift to gene directed chemotherapy, analyzing tumor tissue at a molecular level and using predictive markers to determine which drug therapies will work on each individual patient. He continues to study polymorphisms, or mutations, from genes known to influence tumor growth and metastasis. Using a gene expression test, scientific data can be used by other treatment providers.
On His Colleagues: “I’m privileged to work side-by-side with some of the finest researchers and physicians in the world, and the cohesiveness of our team is leading to some incredible findings.”
Can’t Live Without: His wife Kim, a pediatrician, his cats Peyton and Haley, and lots of caffeinated coffee.
His Mantra: “Do a gut check—then listen to it.”
Fun Fact: With a big smile he shares the best gift he can receive is “time with family … or a gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods works for me, too.”
Robert Goulet, Jr., M.D.
Surgical Oncologist
Research Focus: As the Director of Breast Surgical Oncology, Dr. Goulet’s research has focused on prevention trials and defining protocols for individual patients. Recently his work has focused on neoadjuvant chemotherapy, chemotherapy administered before surgery, which results in an excellent long-term prognosis. This method allows for the development of individualized therapies, providing highly detailed information on the biological activity of the tumor as well as seeing a patient’s reaction to drugs early in the treatment process. Early trials are showing that with chemotherapy given prior to surgery, many tumors are being down-staged and the patient might need only a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy.
On His Colleagues: “I am truly blessed to work with the titans of breast cancer research on a day-to-day basis. In this multidisciplinary program where egos could be enormous, I am surrounded by the most dedicated and sincere people imaginable.”
His Career Path: While attending medical school he drove a cab in Brooklyn, New York.
Can’t Live Without: His wife and four adult children, whom he refers to as his good friends. Plus, his touring bike.
Favorite Ways to Relax: Biking, skiing, talking and watching movies with his family.
Fun Fact: Dr. Goulet would love to become a restauranteur and open an eight-top eatery.
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