Advancing Targeted Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Work done in the lab of Robert Flavell, Ph.D. at the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco.

About author

Anil Bidkar is a biosciences researcher with a Ph.D. in the field. Dr. Bidkar’s research focuses on tumor-targeted therapy, with a particular interest in developing effective treatment strategies for cancer patients. Through his work, Dr. Bidkar aims to contribute to developing innovative and personalized therapies that can improve patient outcomes and quality of life. He has published several research papers in renowned scientific journals and has presented his work at national and international conferences. With a passion for scientific inquiry and a commitment to advancing the field of oncology, Dr. Bidkar is a dedicated and accomplished researcher.

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Anil Bidkar

Interview

How would you explain your research outcomes to the non-scientific community?

In my research, I focus on using targeted radionuclide therapy for genitourinary malignancies, specifically prostate cancer. We investigate the use of radiolabeled molecules that target a protein called CD46, for diagnosis and therapy of prostate cancer.

How do these findings contribute to your research area?

Currently, for prostate cancer detection and therapy, PSMA is considered a good biomarker. But we have identified a challenge where a significant fraction of patients do not express PSMA. Our findings show that targeting CD46 protein for diagnosis and therapy works effectively to cure tumors that can not be treated with PSMA-based therapies.

“Our findings show that targeting CD46 protein for diagnosis and therapy works effectively to cure tumors that can not be treated with PSMA-based therapies.”

What was the exciting moment during your research?

One of the most exciting moments during my research was when I obtained preliminary results that showed promising outcomes in my targeted radionuclide therapy for prostate cancer. Seeing the potential of my research findings to make a meaningful impact in the field and potentially benefit patients was truly exhilarating. It motivated me to further explore and expand upon my research and reinforced my passion for contributing to advancements in the field of oncology.

What do you hope to do next?

I hope to continue exploring mechanisms for cancer cell death and the challenges associated with PSMA negativity in prostate cancer patients. I aim to expand my research to include additional targets and investigate their potential for effective targeted radionuclide therapy. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to developing improved therapeutic strategies for genitourinary malignancies, hoping to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

Where do you seek scientific inspiration from?

Scientific inspiration can come from various sources. I find inspiration from reading scientific literature, attending conferences, and collaborating with colleagues in the field. I am also inspired by the work of pioneering scientists who have made significant contributions to the field of oncology and continue to push the boundaries of scientific discovery. Additionally, I find that interdisciplinary collaboration and the exchange of ideas across different scientific fields can inspire new avenues of research and approaches to problem-solving.

How do you intend to help Indian science improve?

I believe that improving Indian science requires a collaborative effort from various stakeholders, including researchers, funding agencies, and policymakers. As an active participant in the scientific community, I can contribute to this effort by sharing my research findings with the Indian scientific community, collaborating with Indian researchers and institutions, and promoting knowledge exchange and collaboration across borders. Additionally, I can advocate for increased investment in science and technology, and support initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Indian scientific community. Ultimately, my goal is to help create an environment that fosters scientific innovation, promotes scientific literacy, and contributes to the betterment of society.

Reference

Anil P. Bidkar, Sinan Wang, Kondapa Naidu Bobba, Emily Chan, Scott Bidlingmaier, Emily A. Egusa, Robin Peter, Umama Ali, Niranjan Meher, Anju Wadhwa, Suchi Dhrona, Chandrashekhar Dasari, Denis Beckford-Vera, Yang Su, Ryan Tang, Li Zhang, Jiang He, David M. Wilson, Rahul Aggarwal, Henry F. VanBrocklin, Youngho Seo, Jonathan Chou, Bin Liu, Robert R. Flavell; Treatment of Prostate Cancer with CD46-targeted 225Ac Alpha Particle Radioimmunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 15 May 2023; 29 (10): 1916–1928. https://doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-22-3291

Copy Editor

Nikita Nimbark

PostGrad in Biotechnology

Nikita Completed her PostGrad in Biotechnology. She has interest in Bioinformatics. Her hobbies include travelling and calligraphy. She is always up for new challenges.

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