Matt’s Promise funded the work of Dr. Chris Sander, at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, who is on the cusp of acquiring incredible knowledge using computation biology. Dr. Sander and his research team aim to use mathematical algorithms and information systems to simulate the behavior of molecules, cells and organisms and to make useful diagnostic and therapeutic predictions. Using the powerful knowledge of the human genome, along with creative experiments and computational methods, today’s cancer research can be compared to “zooming in on a building with high-resolution clarity rather than seeing it from a ten-thousand-foot view flying in a plane” Dr. Sander says.
Today’s technologies have the potential to help humankind in a profound way. Computational biology helps to predict what’s going to happen next within a cell. Somewhat similar to weather forecasting, an enormous amount of data is collected — unintelligible when observed on its own. What’s required is the application of the appropriate mathematical equations embodied in a software system.
Computational biologists combine findings in biology with computer algorithms and databases to conduct biological research on powerful computers that use sophisticated software to strengthen the work coming out of traditional laboratory and clinical research. Dr. Sander’s research team is helping to interpret detailed molecular profiles of cancerous and non-cancerous cells, how cells respond to various drug therapies and a person’s genetic profile to assist in the development of better diagnostics and prognostics, as well as improved therapies. One day, the outcome can include reduced trial and error of drug development and lead to shorter, more accurate clinical trials.
When this technology is applied to cancer biology, Dr. Sander and his group want to have the ability to predict how a cancer will move from a non-aggressive to an aggressive form and, more importantly, to accurately anticipate the consequences of possible treatments. The goal is to identify the best choice of therapy that is tailored to the individual — possibly using more than one drug in combination and following carefully designed protocols.