Before Gregg Fields, Ph.D., became the director of FAU's Institute for Human Health and
Disease Intervention (I-HEALTH), he was an experienced inventor. He is named on six United
States patents, and has several more patent applications currently under review. The
inventions he has developed throughout his career have achieved significant commercial
success, resulting in three products currently sold by five different companies. His
experience also includes previously serving as chair of the department of chemistry and
biochemistry for the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, and being recognized as a fellow
of the National Academy of Inventors. Dr. Fields' research is focused on the use of chemical
approaches to better understand cancer progression and the development of novel anti-cancer
therapeutic agents.
Here is more information about Dr. Fields, in his own words:
How
did you first become interested in cancer research?
I first became interested in cancer research due to the propensity for cancer
in my family, as all four of my grandparents passed away in their 60s due to
various cancers.
What
makes you most excited about cancer research?
I am most excited about the recent developments in cancer therapy,
particularly immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and combined
chemotherapy/immunotherapy/radiotherapy.
Tell me about your most interesting research
accomplishment?
My most interesting research accomplishment is the development of compounds
that block an enzyme called matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13). MMP-13 has
been implicated in the metastasis of breast cancer and multiple myeloma to
the bone. We are hopeful that these compounds can be used to inhibit bone
metastasis.
What
new developments and innovations can we expect to see in your research in
the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years the development of heavy ion radiotherapy in the U.S.
will transform radiation treatment for cancer patients. I expect it to be
used in combination with immunotherapy.
Discuss a positive experience with the Office of
Technology Development.
The Office of Technology Development has helped me file several patent
applications, including our most recent ones on the MMP-13 inhibitors.
What is an interesting fact that people at FAU may not know about you?
When I was younger (and had more time!) I contributed to biographies of rock 'n' roll musicians. I'm acknowledged in several books about Jimi Hendrix.
