The research of Prof. Peters is focused on translation of preclinical pharmacology of anticancer agents to the clinic. This includes all aspects of drug development of various classes including anti-signalling protein kinase inhibitors, antifolates, antimetabolites, platinum analogs, topoisomerase inhibitors, and taxanes. Prof Peters was involved in several Phase I and 2 studies of drugs now registered for treatment of cancer such as gemcitabine, pemetrexed, erlotinib, while several “failed” clinical studies led to the development of successful drugs in cancer and other areas. Drugs were improved by optimizing drug combinations, proper prodrugs or drug carriers, or by identification of resistance genes as biomarkers. For the latter, analysis of signalling pathways was performed, in relation to expression, mutations and genetic polymorphisms in driver genes, and regulation by miRNAs. Other research interests include regulation of transport (influx and efflux pumps), and metabolism of anticancer drugs, DNA repair, apoptosis and protein processing (proteasome, aminopeptidase, autophagy). These research fields are interconnected by studying the role of phosphorylation by various protein kinases on the function of these pumps (OCTs, MRPs, BCRP). These studies are translated from model systems to the patient and back, in order to provide personalized therapy using predictive biomarkers for selection of the proper drug.
Phone: +31620977689
Address: Dębinki 1, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland