Brett S. Carver

About Brett S. Carver

Despite advances in the early detection and management of prostate cancer, hormone-refractory disease remains the second most common cause of male cancer deaths in the United States. Inhibition of the androgen receptor (AR), a key signaling pathway responsible for promoting prostate cancer cell growth, invasion and survival, remains a major target for prostate cancer treatment. Another critical signaling pathway, the PI3K pathway, is frequently activated in primary and metastatic prostate cancer. Activation of the PI3K pathway and molecular alterations promoting AR signaling are associated with the development of hormone refractory disease. A number of novel inhibitors of the PI3K and AR pathways are in early clinical development and are promising therapeutic agents for men with prostate cancer.

Dr. Carver’s research will further define the role of the PI3K pathway in promoting hormone-refractory disease, identify which compounds targeting the PI3K and AR pathways provide maximum therapeutic potential, and identify molecular alterations that predict therapeutic response. Collectively this work will identify which combination of therapeutic agents will provide the greatest survival benefit and for which patients.