Our Story
"Igniting Hope: The Remarkable Journey of Dr. Parham Jabbarzadeh Kaboli in the Fight Against Breast Cancer"
Once upon a time, in the dynamic realm of cancer research, there emerged a dedicated scientist whose journey would ignite a beacon of hope in the fight against breast cancer. Dr. Parham Jabbarzadeh Kaboli, a name that would soon resonate throughout the corridors of academia and research, embarked on a path paved with passion, knowledge, and unwavering determination.
Parham's odyssey began in the world of herbal medicine, where he cultivated a deep appreciation for the healing potential of nature's remedies. It was here that he first laid the foundations of his scientific curiosity, a curiosity that would drive him to seek answers to the complex puzzle of cancer.
In the hallowed halls of the University Putra Malaysia, Parham's academic voyage reached its zenith as he embarked on a Ph.D. journey in Pharmacology, a discipline poised at the forefront of modern medicine. This esteemed institution, among the world's top 200 in the QS system, provided the fertile ground for Parham's transformative work.
Guided by the esteemed Associate Professor Dr. King-Hwa Ling, a luminary in the fields of neuroscience and medical genetics, Parham's research ignited a spark that would illuminate the path to groundbreaking discoveries in cancer pharmacology. Dr. Ling's mentorship, a catalyst for Parham's academic journey, set him on a trajectory destined for greatness.
Amid the rigors of Ph.D. studies, Parham found himself under the tutelage of Professor Johnson Stanslas, a revered mentor in the intricate realm of pharmacology. Professor Stanslas' guidance, infused with profound insights, reshaped Parham's academic course. It was under this transformative mentorship that Parham ventured beyond the boundaries of Molecular Medicine, delving into the multifaceted disciplines of Pharmacology and Toxicology. This transition opened new horizons, enabling him to unravel the intricate web of drug interactions, mechanisms, and the enigmatic study of toxic agents. Professor Stanslas marked a pivotal turning point in Parham's journey, setting the stage for remarkable accomplishments in the field.
With his Ph.D. in hand in 2018, Parham's academic voyage entered a new chapter. He became a lecturer and full-time faculty member at the prestigious School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University in China. Here, he collaborated closely with the venerable Emeritus Prof. Chi-Hin Cho and the distinguished Prof. Zhangang Xiao. Together, they delved into the complexities of targeted therapies, pioneering innovative approaches to combat the relentless scourge of cancer.
Parham's devotion to cancer research shone brilliantly in his academic journey and investigative undertakings. His initial forays into herbal medicine and biology laid a solid foundation upon which he built a formidable presence in the field of pharmacology. Even as a postdoctoral research fellow specializing in cancer biology from 2021 onwards, Parham continued to enhance his capacity for generating advanced ideas in cancer research.
Since 2021, Parham has been guided by the visionary leadership of President Mien-Chie Hung at China Medical University, where he has made noteworthy contributions that resonate across the field of cancer research. President Hung, an eminent figure in molecular biology and cancer research, boasts an impressive h-Index of 170 and a citation count exceeding 100,000. His journey commenced in 1984, under the tutelage of renowned molecular biologist Dr. Robert A. Weinberg at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 2019, President Hung took on the prestigious mantle of President at China Medical University in Taichung, Taiwan, further solidifying his position as a trailblazer in the field.
Parham's collaboration with President Hung exemplifies his exceptional capacity to actively participate and significantly contribute to cutting-edge research in breast cancer treatment. This partnership is fueled by Parham's robust educational background and an unwavering enthusiasm for exploration and innovation.
Parham's remarkable accomplishments within the field are a testament to a journey that traversed three countries, diverse laboratory environments, and fruitful collaborations with respected mentors and leaders. His contributions, including the discovery of novel signaling pathways related to the c-MET receptor tyrosine kinase and galectin-9, have illuminated new paths in targeted therapy and immunotherapy for breast cancer.
As the story of Dr. Parham Jabbarzadeh Kaboli unfolds, it serves as an inspiration and a testament to the power of passion, mentorship, and an unyielding pursuit of knowledge. Parham's journey continues—an unending odyssey in the quest to conquer cancer, one discovery at a time. And now, at the heart of this remarkable journey, stands the Cancer Discovery Network—a beacon of hope for all who strive to make a difference in the fight against cancer.
Research Priorities & Subgroups
Antibody Subgroup
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have revolutionized the field of pharmacy and oncology by offering highly targeted therapies for various diseases, including cancer. These antibodies are designed to bind to specific molecules or receptors on the surface of cancer cells, which can have several important implications in cancer treatment.
This special subgroup is all about creating custom-made antibodies (mAbs) for exciting new targets in cancer research. We explore and find new markers and pathways for different types of cancer. Using the latest technology, we make these antibodies super precise and good at targeting these unique markers. We test them carefully before trying them out on patients in clinical trials. Our goal is to change the way we treat cancer by making super-targeted therapies. We're dedicated to making cancer research better and giving people more effective and personalized treatments that are easier to handle.
Several monoclonal antibodies have been approved for the treatment of cancer, and they play crucial roles in the management of various cancer types. Here are a few notable examples:
Trastuzumab (Herceptin): Trastuzumab is used in the treatment of breast cancer that overexpresses the HER2/neu receptor. By blocking this receptor, it inhibits the growth of cancer cells and has become a standard therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer.
Bevacizumab (Avastin): Bevacizumab is employed in various cancers, including colorectal, lung, and kidney cancer. It inhibits the formation of new blood vessels in tumors, depriving them of the nutrients they need to grow.
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and Nivolumab (Opdivo): These immune checkpoint inhibitors block PD-1, a protein on immune cells that prevents them from attacking cancer cells. They are used in several cancer types, such as melanoma, lung cancer, and kidney cancer, and have shown remarkable efficacy in some patients.
Ipilimumab (Yervoy): Ipilimumab targets CTLA-4, another immune checkpoint protein. It is approved for the treatment of advanced melanoma and has extended survival rates in some patients.
These monoclonal antibodies represent a promising era in cancer therapy, showcasing the potential of precision medicine. Their approval and continued development underscore their importance in improving the lives of cancer patients and advancing our understanding of this complex disease.
Advanced Bioinformatics
Welcome to our High-Tech Bioinformatics Subgroup! In 2024, our research endeavors are fueled by innovation and focused on cutting-edge technologies. We have identified three priority areas that drive our projects and shape the future of bioinformatics.
1) AI-based Bioinformatics: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of bioinformatics. We're at the forefront of harnessing AI's power to analyze biological data. By employing machine learning algorithms, we can uncover hidden patterns, make predictions, and gain profound insights into complex biological processes.
2) Single-Cell Analytic Study: Understanding biology at the single-cell level is crucial. Our research delves into single-cell analytics, a field that allows us to dissect and analyze individual cells with precision. This approach unveils intricate details of cellular behavior, aiding in disease understanding, drug development, and personalized medicine.
3) Transferable AI Models: Collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential in today's scientific landscape. We're seeking individuals well-versed in building transferable AI models. These models can be applied across various biological datasets and domains, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of research.
Join us on this exciting journey into the future of bioinformatics. Together, we'll push the boundaries of knowledge, advance scientific discovery, and make a lasting impact on the world of biology.
FDA Watch Subgroup
The FDA Watch Subgroup keeps a close eye on the decisions made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about which drugs get approved and which get withdrawn. They pay extra attention to drugs used in cancer treatment, especially those that boost the immune system.
If the FDA decides to take back its approval for a cancer drug, this subgroup looks into why. They consider how this decision affects patients, doctors, and the drug companies, especially for specific types of cancer.
They also stress the importance of regularly checking if drugs are still safe and effective, especially when it comes to the immune system and how drugs move through the body. They stay updated on new developments in cancer treatment, like better ways to design drugs and target cancer cells, which could lead to improved treatments in the future.
c-MET Discovery Subgroup
The c-MET Discovery Subgroup focuses on studying a protein called c-MET, which is super important in cancer. They want to understand how c-MET affects how cancer cells resist treatments like targeted therapies and immunotherapies. They've found that c-MET plays a big role in making the tumor environment friendly to cancer cells by helping them hide from the immune system.
Their research shows that when c-MET is too active, it's linked to a protein called PD-L1, which cancer cells use to protect themselves from the immune system. Also, c-MET seems to change some immune cells from fighting cancer to supporting it, and it helps create more immune cells that suppress the immune response in the tumor.
The subgroup is exploring exciting possibilities. They've been looking at a special antibody called amivantamab, which can target two things: c-MET and EGFR. This antibody seems to help the immune system fight cancer better. This discovery opens doors to new treatments that use both c-MET blocking and immunotherapy, like a double attack against cancer growth and immune suppression.
All in all, this subgroup's research is crucial. It helps us understand how c-MET works in cancer, giving hope for better treatments tailored to each patient. Their dedication to uncovering the mysteries of c-MET in cancer is vital for finding new ways to fight this disease.