Infection is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with neoplastic disease.
Thus, as part of the drug discovery program at the Cancer Research Institute, natural products and synthetic and semisynthetic compounds are screened for antibacterial and antifungal acticity. Active leads are developed in vitro by evaluating such parameters as spectrum of activity, killing kinetics and postantibiotic effect. For promising leads, the cellular target is investigated. Current Students Laura Crews, M.S. Tanja Wolke, Ph.D. Selected Publications Pettit, R.K., G.R. Pettit, and K.C. Hazen. Specific activities of dolastatin 10 and peptide derivatives against Cryptococcus neoformans .