Richard Pietras

Richard J. Pietras, MD, PhD, is a Clinical Professor at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science specializing in Internal Medicine. His research focuses on hormonal signaling in cancer, particularly estrogen and progesterone receptor pathways in breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, with a strong emphasis on anti-angiogenic therapies and growth factor receptor interactions. Key projects include investigating squalamines for angiogenesis blockade, aromatase inhibitors in lung cancer, and HER2-targeted therapies.

• NIH Grants: Principal Investigator for four major projects including pancreatic cancer therapeutics (R21CA176337) and cancer disparities (U54CA143930)
• Research Themes: Estrogen receptor signaling, cancer cell proliferation, tumor microenvironment, endocrine therapy resistance, and novel drug combinations

Scientific Awards:

• R21CA176337 (NIH, 2013-2016)
• U54CA143930 (NIH, 2009-2021)
• R01AG014785 (NIH, 1997-2001)
• R29CA060835 (NIH, 1995-2000)

Publications highlight his work on estrogen receptor signaling in breast and lung cancers, anti-angiogenic steroids, and combination therapies targeting growth factor receptors and hormone pathways. His 15 most recent articles (2015-2024) demonstrate sustained innovation in triple-negative breast cancer research, HER2 pathways, and IGF-2 targeting.