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UTHSC SCIENTIST RECEIVES NIH GRANT TO PURSUE LIVER CANCER RESEARCH THAT CAN FACILITATE TREATMENT

 

            Memphis, Tennessee (October 28, 2005) – Lakita Cavin, PhD, assistant professor in the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Department of Pharmacology, has been awarded a nearly $600,000 National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI) grant to study the role of various genes involved in liver cancer. 

            Already the third deadliest and fifth most common human cancer in the world, the incidence rate and morbidity of liver cancer is steadily increasing due to an escalation in hepatitis B and C viral infections.  Dr. Cavin commented, “The aim of our study is to determine the role and function of the genes that are activated during liver tumor progression.  Once determined, we can facilitate the development of drugs which can target these genes and treat liver cancer.”

            Dr. Cavin received her doctorate in chemistry and biochemistry from Auburn University and was an assistant professor of chemistry at Alcorn State University (Miss.) prior to joining the UTHSC faculty in June.

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