W. Elaine Hardman

Biography

I have almost 25 years of experience in studies on dietary interventions against cancer. About 20 years ago, my research evolved into studies of the effects of dietary fat, especially omega 3 fats on cancer growth and response to chemotherapy using xenograft models. My research remains focused on omega 3 fats and cancer using various models (including xenograft, carcinogen treated and transgenic models) and experimental designs to answer different experimental questions. I have completed a small clinical trial to assess the effects of omega 3 fatty acids on NFkB activation in the lymphocytes of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This study clearly demonstrated the ability of omega 3 supplementation to significantly reduce NFkB activation and to induce histone modification in the cancerous cells. I have 2 other pilot clinical trials in progress. I have served on Grant Study Sections for the NIH (NCI, Subcommittees G and J for 6 years and currently CDP, ad hoc), the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the American Institute for Cancer Research, giving me an understanding of the expectations of granting agencies and the requirement for prompt publication of results. My record of continuous research funding since I was a graduate student indicates that I have the skills needed to obtain significant grant support. I have mentored post-doc, graduate and undergraduate students several of whom have established successful research careers. I am the senior faculty mentor for three junior faculty members who are making good progress towards establishing independence. I supervise an active research laboratory, currently completing a clinical trial. I have the established clinical connections and basic science experience at Marshall to help insure the completion of this project and to develop clinically relevant future directions. The West Virginia Cancer Genomics Network (WVCGN) has been collecting cancer and paired normal tissues since its inception in 2012 and could be a valuable resource for future research. As a PI of the West Virginia Cancer Genomics network, I have connections with colleagues within the state to encourage collaborative interactions and the future research of the project investigators.

Research Interest

Action of omega-3 fatty acids,cancer chemotherapeutic agent.