Hugo Jimenez
Address
4100 John R. HWCRC 616 Detroit, MI 48201Department
Oncology
Research Interests
- Bioelectromagnetics
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma / Fibrolamellar Carcinoma
- Tumor-specific amplitude modulated radiofrequency electromagnetic fields
- Calcium signaling
Research Description
Our studies focus on the role of Amplitude-Modulated Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (AM RF EMF) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Specifically, we are elucidating the mechanism-of-action of tumor-specific AM RF EMF which is used as novel cancer therapy, reflecting its anti-proliferative effects. We have shown that part of the mechanism-of-action involves Ca2+-influx via Cav 3.2 (CACNA1H) as it is a key mediator of the anti-proliferative effects. We were the first to identify the Cav 3.2 T-type calcium channel (CACNA1H) as the HCC cell “bioantenna” for HCC-specific AM RF EMF (HCCMF). CACNA1H is the “port of entry” for Ca2+ influx into HCC cells, which modulates the inositol trisphosphate (IP3)/diacylglycerol (DAG) signaling pathway. Using Green Fluorescence Protein-tagged HCC cells, we showed that HCCMF-mediated tumor shrinkage occurs through HCC cell differentiation into quiescent cells. This novel therapy received approval by the US FDA in September 2023 (H220001) for treatment of patients with advanced HCC who fail 1st line and 2nd line therapy. It is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for this indication. Treatment increases overall patient survival by 34% without significant adverse events.