Sharon McKenna

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Sharon McKenna

Introduction

Sharon McKenna is a notable inventor based in County Cork, Ireland. She has made significant strides in the field of cancer treatment through her innovative research and patented methods. With a total of 2 patents, her work focuses on addressing the challenges of drug resistance in cancer therapy.

Latest Patents

One of Sharon McKenna's latest patents is a method for the treatment of cancer. This invention is based on the surprising finding that treatment with a chemotherapeutic agent, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), combined with an autophagy inducer, effectively inhibits the continued growth of cancer cells. It also prevents the recovery of these cells following drug withdrawal. In vivo, drug resistance often arises from a failure to adequately engage in apoptotic programmed cell death, leading to a recurrence of cancer. Tumors can remain dormant for extended periods before re-emerging as drug-resistant metastases. McKenna's research hypothesizes that autophagy, or Type II cell death, may help cancer cells survive under growth-limiting conditions, such as nutrient depletion or the presence of cytotoxic drugs. LiCl, a known autophagy inducer, accelerates cell survival to autophagic programmed cell death.

Career Highlights

Sharon McKenna is affiliated with University College Cork, where she conducts her research and develops her innovative treatments. Her work has garnered attention for its potential to revolutionize cancer therapy and improve patient outcomes.

Collaborations

Some of her notable coworkers include Gerald Christopher O'Sullivan and Tracey O'Donovan, who contribute to her research efforts and collaborative projects.

Conclusion

Sharon McKenna's contributions to cancer treatment through her innovative patents highlight her dedication to advancing medical science. Her research not only addresses critical challenges in cancer therapy but also paves the way for future advancements in the field.