The second an nual CUSP Patient Safety Award was presented to Keykavous Parang, Pharm.D., Ph.D, and Coco Yang, Ph.D., for their collaborative proposal “Peptide-Drug Conjugates to Enhance Doxorubicin Safety: A Novel Strategy to Reduce Cardiotoxicity and Improve Patient Outcomes.” Following recommendations of CUSP’s Science and Patient Safety Committees, this award recognizes innovative research proposals by an individual or pair of faculty that show potential to significantly improve patient care. 

Parang’s and Yang’s proposal has two ultimate aims. The first is to examine how peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) reverse doxorubicin (DOX) resistance and mitigate cardiotoxicity (damage to the cardiovascular system, including the heart). The second is to explore the in vivo safety and therapeutic effectiveness of PEGylated and targeted PDCs. PEGylation refers to the process of adding polyethylene glycol to a molecule, which can increase the longevity and effectiveness of some drugs. 

By investigating these factors, Yang and Parang may be able to increase the effectiveness of DOX. DOX, alongside similar drugs, is currently limited by cardiotoxicity and long-term resistance. While it is a highly effective cancer treatment, DOX also has serious side effects that can weaken the patient. Increasing the half-life of DOX and decreasing the cardiotoxicity effect will improve its effectiveness and reduce side effects, and will contribute to a longer lifespan for patients undergoing chemotherapy. 

CUSP practices and teaches patient-safety-first practices in both clinic and research settings. Through initiatives like the CUSP Patient Safety Award, we formally recognize the impact our faculty have in addressing critical issues in healthcare, developing effective interventions, and promoting a culture of safety and excellence.