Michael Danilenko, Emeritus

We investigate the molecular mechanisms of anticancer activity and the therapeutic potential of combinations of natural and synthetic compounds in in vitro and in vivo models of leukemia, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This preclinical research primarily focuses on the antileukemic effects of vitamin D and A derivatives co-administered with clinically approved or experimental electrophilic agents. Our major goal is to identify and characterize the combinations that demonstrate potent synergistic activity at low, non-toxic doses of each compound. AML is one of the most aggressive forms of hematopoietic malignancies, especially affecting older people who are often unfit for standard intensive chemotherapy. Our research may provide the mechanistic basis and prototype therapeutics for novel effective and safe treatment strategies for AML and other cancers. This mild combinatory approach may also be used to prevent the development of AML in individuals with pre-leukemic conditions, such as myelodysplastic syndromes and in those who have been previously treated with DNA-damaging drugs, e.g. cisplatin or etoposide, for solid cancers.

Email: misha@bgu.ac.il

Orcid ID:  https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9466-6169