Please join us in for a seminar given by Dr. Karan Arora, Research Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University on February 22, 2024 at 7:00 PM (Dinner and Social at 6:00 PM). The event will be held in Conference Room 219 at the Toy F. Reid Employee Center in Kingsport (400 S Wilcox Dr, Kingsport, TN 37660).

Abstract

Cancer is one of the most fatal diseases which is becoming a major widespread health issue, affecting a large amount of the population every year. It is the second leading cause of death in the U.S., only behind heart disease. Tremendous progress has been made over the last two decades in cancer treatment and improving the overall survival and quality of life of cancer patients. To enhance the efficacy and minimize the off-target toxicity. I synthesized an arsenal of prodrugs that takes advantage of the different tumor microenvironments in comparison to healthy tissues, to release the active drug selectively in malignant tumor areas and kill them effectively with minimum to no effect on normal cells. The use of local stimuli such as elevated protease levels, lower pH, light, heat, and hypoxic nature is being explored to achieve spatial and temporal control for drug delivery. Incorporating these pro-drugs with stimuli-cleavable linkers enhances their efficacy by increasing their water solubility for systemic administration, improving their circulation half-life, and allowing for selective release of the active drug only at tumor sites.

Other Details

Dinner and social will start at 6:00 PM, catered by Pratts BBQ. The cost of the meal is $15/person (free for students) payable by cash or check (made out to “TVHS-ACS”). You must RSVP to Dane Scott (scottdw@etsu.edu) before the event to ensure adequate catering. There is no cost to attend the presentation only.

The menu will consist of Coke, iced tea, pulled pork sandwiches, vegetable lasagna, chips and queso, and season fruit.

Find more information in the attached flyer.