Ahmed Lasfar

Rutgers University

Dr. Ahmed Lasfar is a faculty member at Rutgers University and a full member of the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, USA. He is an editor and board member of several international journals and books. Dr. Lasfar is a scientific adviser and consultant to the pharmaceutical industry and a member of several medical and scientific societies. He graduated in Medical and Applied Science (BS/MD) and obtained a Ph.D. in Immunology from Paris Diderot University, France. Dr. Lasfar completed his postdoctoral training in cancer immunology at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Jersey, USA.

4books edited

4chapters authored

Latest work with IntechOpen by Ahmed Lasfar

This book offers outstanding approaches to understanding the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in cancer development and metastasis. The TME, with its multifaced role, is fundamental in the control and exacerbation of almost all cancer types. The outcome of many solid tumors is dependent on the modulation of the TME. Local tumor immunity, which is crucial in the control of cancer promotion, is one of the leading compounds of the TME. This book presents new insights and provides detailed and updated descriptions of the role of the TME in the control and the development of almost all cancer types. This book is an authentic source of knowledge, useful for researchers, medical doctors, students, and all individuals interested in understanding the mechanisms of cancer control and development.

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Tumor Microenvironment

Edited by Ahmed Lasfar

Books edited

By Ahmed Lasfar and Karine A. Cohen-Solal

Part of the book: Targets in Gene Therapy

Introductory Chapter: Liver Cancer, Risk Factors and Current Therapies

By Ahmed Lasfar

Part of the book: Liver Cancer

Role of RUNX2 in Melanoma: A New Player in Tumor Progression and Resistance to Therapy

By Rachael Pulica, Karine Cohen Solal and Ahmed Lasfar

RUNX2, a transcription factor, initially known for its indispensable role in skeletal development. RUNX2 is essential for osteoblast differentiation and the maintain of the osteocyte balance. RUNX2 acts directly on osteoblasts via Fgf pathway or on mesenchymal progenitors through Hedgehog, Wnt, Pthlh and DLX5. Currently, many reports point its critical role in the progression and metastasis of several cancer types. RUNX2 is involved in EMT process, invasion and metastasis through the modulation of important oncogenic pathways, including Wnt, FAK/PTK and AKT. In melanoma, RUNX2 is a key player in mediating intrinsic RTK-associated pro-oncogenic properties. We have showed a dramatic up regulation of RUNX2 expression with concomitant up-regulation of EGFR, IGF-1R and AXL, in melanoma cells rendered resistant to BRAF mutant inhibitors. Approximately half of melanomas carry BRAF mutations which enhance tumor invasion and metastasis. In this chapter, we describe the potential mechanisms, leading to the upregulation of RUNX2 in melanoma with BRAF mutations. We also highlight the critical role of PI3K/AKT in the expression and activation of RUNX2, and its consequences on the regulation of many critical factors, controlling cancer invasion and metastasis.

Part of the book: Melanoma

Introductory Chapter: Melanoma and Therapeutic Perspectives

By Karine Cohen Solal and Ahmed Lasfar

Part of the book: Melanoma

Ahmed Lasfar

Latest work with IntechOpen by Ahmed Lasfar

Tumor Microenvironment

Books edited

Melanoma

Tumor Progression and Metastasis

Liver Cancer

Chapters authored

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