GenSpera, a developer of prodrug therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, has hired Melanie Thomas, M.D., MS, as medical advisor.

Thomas most recently held the Grace E. DeWolff chair in gastrointestinal oncology at the Medical University of South Carolina and was associate director of clinical investigations. As associate director, Thomas had primary responsibility to oversee all clinical research infrastructure at Hollings Cancer Center. Thomas has been Principal Investigator on 29 separate clinical trials, primarily in gastrointestinal cancers, as well as held previous appointments at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

"Primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) is a very challenging disease in which to develop new, novel therapeutic agents that are both effective and safe for patients," said Thomas. "Hepatocellular carcinoma is a highly chemotherapy-resistant tumor, and most patients have underlying liver damage that limits their eligibility for clinical trials. As the third most common cancer worldwide, hepatocellular carcinoma remains a significant unmet medical need. The early data for mipsagargin safety and efficacy in liver cancer are impressive, and I am excited to be part of the team that is developing this novel agent for liver cancer patients."