University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, California
Director, Breast Cancer Program David Geffen School of Medicine
Developing more effective and less toxic therapeutic approaches for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.
Metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) is associated with aggressive tumor biology and lower survival rates. Chemotherapy has been the mainstay of mTNBC treatment and management, but it is not always effective and can be quite toxic. Developing new therapeutic approaches and combinations that are more effective and less toxic is therefore a major unmet clinical need. Dr. Bardia is conducting clinical and translational studies on promising antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). These novel agents comprise an antibody, which specifically targets a protein on the surface of tumor cells but not normal cells, and a highly potent drug that is selectively delivered to tumor cells carrying the protein target.
Dr. Bardia and his team recently led the clinical development of a new therapy, sacituzumab govitecan (SG), the first ADC approved for mTNBC. They are evaluating combination therapies and dosing sequences with other treatments that may enhance the efficacy of SG. Through translational research, they have also identified mutations in tumors that confer resistance to ADCs.
The team is identifying biomarkers that predict a patient’s response and resistance to ADCs. With multiple ADCs in clinical development, the team hopes to elucidate mechanistic underpinnings that contribute to their efficacy and toxicity and identify additional targets for new, personalized therapeutics.
Aditya Bardia, MD, MPH is an internationally renowned breast oncologist known for his pioneering clinical and translational research in cancer therapeutics, particularly antibody drug conjugates. Dr. Bardia led the development of sacituzumab govitecan, the first ADC approved for patients with metastatic triple negative breast cancer, as well as others including trastuzumab deruxtecan and datapotamab deruxtecan. Dr. Bardia also led the clinical development of elacestrant, the first oral SERD approved for patients with metastatic HR+ positive breast cancer. In translational collaboration with various labs, identified role of ESR1 mutations in mediating endocrine resistance, RB1 mutations in mediating CDK 4/6i resistance and TOP1 mutations in mediating ADC resistance. Besides cutting-edge research, Dr. Bardia is highly regarded among peers as an excellent mentor and strong advocate for academic trainees and junior faculty members. Dr. Bardia has received several awards including outstanding award for research excellence at Mayo Clinic, Young Investigator Award from ASCO, Distinguished researcher award from MASCO, and Douglas Family Foundation prize for excellence in oncology research.
2023
The AutoNation DRV PNK Award
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