The Cancer and Systems Therapeutics (CAST) program at the UAMS College of Pharmacy is a distinguished research initiative led by Dr. Amit K. Tiwari, who serves as the Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies and a Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
CAST Overview
The CAST program is dedicated to advancing cancer therapeutics through a multifaceted approach that includes:
Development of Targeted Anticancer Agents: Focusing on creating effective and safe therapies for multidrug-resistant cancers.
Exploration of Non-Conventional Cell Death Mechanisms: Investigating inducers of necroptosis, methuosis, and autophagy to overcome traditional apoptosis resistance in tumors.
Innovative Drug Delivery Systems: Designing advanced delivery methods to enhance the efficacy and specificity of cancer treatments.
Natural Products Drug Discovery: Identifying and developing novel compounds from natural sources with potential anticancer properties.
Chemical Toxicity Assessment: Evaluating the safety profiles of new therapeutic agents to ensure they are both effective and non-toxic.
The program employs a comprehensive strategy encompassing target identification, lead compound optimization, pharmacokinetics (ADME), pharmacodynamics (efficacy, model/assay development, and mechanistic studies), drug-drug/herbal interactions, drug resistance, advanced toxicology assessments, and intellectual property protection and commercialization.
Research Focus Areas
CAST’s research is centered on several critical areas in cancer treatment:
Multidrug-Resistant Cancers: Addressing the challenges posed by cancers that are resistant to multiple chemotherapy agents.
Cell Death Mechanisms: Studying alternative cell death pathways to circumvent resistance mechanisms in tumors.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics: Investigating how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted, as well as their biological effects.
Drug Resistance Mechanisms: Understanding the molecular basis of resistance to improve therapeutic outcomes.
Drug Delivery Innovations: Developing new methods to deliver drugs more effectively to cancer cells.
Natural Product-Based Drug Discovery: Exploring natural substances for potential anticancer properties.
Chemical Toxicity: Assessing the safety of new compounds to ensure they do not cause harm to patients.
Educational and Collaborative Opportunities
CAST provides a dynamic environment for training the next generation of scientists and clinicians. Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research and receive mentorship in areas such as drug discovery, pharmacology, toxicology, and translational medicine. The program fosters interdisciplinary collaborations within UAMS and with external partners, aiming to translate laboratory findings into clinical applications.
Contact Us
