The University of Debrecen is set to benefit from the expertise of acclaimed Australian-American oncologist Richard G. Pestell, who will contribute to the institution’s research and innovation activities. In an interview with hirek.unideb.hu, Professor Pestell discussed his recent breakthrough cancer research, insights from the 2nd Oncology Workshop, and future plans.
The distinguished oncologist, President of the Pennsylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Center, delivered the opening lecture at the University of Debrecen’s Chemical Coordination Institute during the 2nd Oncology Workshop, titled CCR5 Inhibitor Therapy in Metastatic Cancer: Preparing the Tumor Microenvironment.
Professor Pestell told hirek.unideb.hu that he participated in an extremely well-organized and thought-provoking conference, providing an excellent foundation for collaboration across various disciplines.
“The advantage of these types of conferences is that experts from diverse scientific backgrounds and perspectives examine a problem together. Multidisciplinary institutions, such as the University of Debrecen, offer an ideal environment for this, as a broader spectrum makes it easier to find common solutions to longstanding questions,” said Pestell. He added that following discussions after his opening lecture, several promising collaborations may emerge between domestic and international researchers.
The professor recalled that he first visited Debrecen 12 years ago and has since conducted numerous joint research projects with Hungarian experts, including Professor Péter Nagy, Director of the Chemical Coordination Institute, and Professor Péter Tompa, another invited speaker at the workshop.
“Even then, we were working in this research area, and since then we have made tremendous progress: preclinical and clinical studies have yielded remarkable results. This led to the breakthrough discovery that the CCR5 GPCR receptor plays a key role in the fight against breast cancer. Using the Leronlimab anti-CCR5 monoclonal antibody, we developed a therapy that significantly reduces side effects for patients, requiring only a single injection,” explained Professor Pestell.
The oncologist also mentioned that after the workshop, he held consultations with Zoltán Bács, the university’s next rector, and György Kossa, chairman of the foundation governing the institution, regarding his future involvement in the university’s scientific and innovation activities.
“Our joint work will focus primarily on targeted therapies and combination therapies based on molecular diagnostics, which will provide much more precise treatment for cancer patients,” emphasized Professor Pestell.
Going forward, Richard G. Pestell will support the work of PhD students engaged in oncology research and assist in the practical application of related developments.
(unideb.hu)
