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Justin M. Balko, Pharm.D., Ph.D.

  • Co-Leader, Breast Cancer Research Program
  • Ingram Associate Professor of Cancer Research
  • Associate Professor of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology)

Phone

615-936-1495

Email

justin.balko@vumc.org
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
777 Preston Research Building
Nashville, TN 37232-6307

Justin M. Balko, Pharm.D., Ph.D.

  • Co-Leader, Breast Cancer Research Program
  • Ingram Associate Professor of Cancer Research
  • Associate Professor of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology)

615-936-1495

justin.balko@vumc.org

Vanderbilt University Medical Center
777 Preston Research Building
Nashville, TN 37232-6307

Profile

Our laboratory focuses on the discovery genomic mechanisms of therapeutic sensitivity and resistance in breast cancers and some other types of carcinomas. We have interest in identifying ways to treat basal-like, triple negative, and inflammatory breast cancer using novel molecularly targeted therapeutics and combinations of these inhibitors to circumvent drug resistance.

Specifically, our ongoing projects include 1) Understanding the role of loss of the tumor suppressor DUSP4, a negative regulator of the MAPK pathway in breast cancer;2) Molecularly targeting tumors with amplification of JAK2 and neighboring genes; and 3) Discovering new ways to target the residual disease and micrometastatic component of TNBCs that do not respond completely to neoadjuvant (pre-surgical)chemotherapy.

Education

  • Pharm.D., State University of New York at Buffalo
  • Ph.D., University of Kentucky, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Research Emphasis

Research Description

Publications

Have any questions? Contact Us 1-877-936-8422 for more information