RACHEL ALLISON ALTURA, MD

PROVIDENCE, RI

Research Active
Pediatrics - Pediatric Hematology-Oncology NPI registered 21+ years 5 publications 1989 – 2026 NPI: 1215933908
Biomarkers, TumorCell Line, TumorLeukemia, Myeloid, AcuteAntineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy ProtocolsAdenocarcinomaStomach NeoplasmsEsophageal NeoplasmsAntibodies, Monoclonal, HumanizedModels, BiologicalEsophagogastric JunctionInhibitory Concentration 50CytarabineBone Marrow CellsIntercellular Signaling Peptides and ProteinsGene Expression Regulation, Leukemic

Practice Location

593 EDDY ST
PROVIDENCE, RI 02903-4923

Phone: (401) 444-5241

What does RACHEL ALTURA research?

Dr. Altura studies how different cancers respond to specific treatments, with a significant focus on advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). She investigates the effectiveness of treatments like DKN-01 and tislelizumab for stomach and esophagus cancer, especially in patients with high levels of the DKK1 protein. Additionally, she has developed lab models to explore how well AML patients respond to the chemotherapy drug Cytarabine, aiming to identify genetic markers that can predict treatment outcomes. This research is crucial for creating personalized treatment plans that enhance patient care and survival.

Key findings

  • In the DisTinGuish trial, approximately 21.7% of patients with DKK1-high gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma showed a positive response to the treatment, with a median survival time of 8.2 months.
  • By studying 49 AML patients, Dr. Altura identified specific genetic markers that can predict a patient's responsiveness to Cytarabine, which can lead to more tailored therapies.
  • Her research has highlighted the role of E2F3 in cell division, showing that its inactivation leads to abnormal centrosome amplification, which can cause genetic imbalances.

Frequently asked questions

Does Dr. Altura study stomach cancer?
Yes, she focuses on advanced stomach and esophagus cancer and developing new treatment options for patients.
What treatment has Dr. Altura researched for acute myeloid leukaemia?
She has researched the chemotherapy drug Cytarabine and its effectiveness, identifying genetic markers that can predict patient responses.
Is Dr. Altura's work relevant to cancer patients?
Absolutely, her findings are designed to improve treatment options and outcomes for patients with various types of cancer.
What is the significance of identifying genetic markers in cancer treatment?
Identifying genetic markers helps create personalized treatment plans, increasing the chances of successful outcomes for patients.
Are there new therapies being tested by Dr. Altura?
Yes, she is involved in testing combinations of new therapies like DKN-01 and tislelizumab for patients with specific cancer profiles.

Publications in plain English

Author Correction: DKN-01 and tislelizumab as second-line therapy in DKK1-high gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma: DisTinGuish trial part B.

2026

Nature communications

Lee KW, Mahalingam D, Shim BY, Kim IH, Oh DY +13 more

PubMed

DKN-01 and tislelizumab as second-line therapy in DKK1-high gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma: DisTinGuish trial part B.

2025

Nature communications

Lee KW, Mahalingam D, Shim BY, Kim IH, Oh DY +13 more

Plain English
This study looked at a new treatment for patients with advanced stomach and esophagus cancer, focusing on those with high levels of a protein called DKK1. Researchers found that about 21.7% of patients responded positively to the treatment, with a median survival time of 8.2 months. The findings are important because they show that this treatment combination can be safe and effective, offering a new option for patients who have not responded to other therapies. Who this helps: This benefits patients with advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer.

PubMed

Identification of predictive genetic signatures of Cytarabine responsiveness using a 3D acute myeloid leukaemia model.

2019

Journal of cellular and molecular medicine

Xu H, Muise ES, Javaid S, Chen L, Cristescu R +10 more

Plain English
This study created a new lab model using bone marrow cells to understand how well patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) respond to the chemotherapy drug Cytarabine. Researchers tested samples from 49 AML patients and found specific genetic markers that help predict whether a patient will respond to this treatment. This discovery is important because it can lead to personalized treatment plans that improve outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Patients with acute myeloid leukaemia.

PubMed

Inactivation of E2F3 results in centrosome amplification.

2003

Cancer cell

Saavedra HI, Maiti B, Timmers C, Altura R, Tokuyama Y +2 more

Plain English
This study examined how the loss of a protein called E2F3 affects cell division in mouse cells. Researchers found that when E2F3 was turned off, there were abnormalities in the centrosome duplication process, which led to issues like more centrosomes than normal and problems during cell division. These disruptions can cause genetic imbalances in the resulting cells, which is important because proper cell division is crucial for health and development. Who this helps: This helps patients with diseases linked to cell division problems, such as cancer.

PubMed

Sequence requirements for branch formation in a group II self-splicing intron.

1989

Nucleic acids research

Altura R, Rymond B, Seraphin B, Rosbash M

Plain English
This study looked at how certain parts of a specific RNA structure (an intron) interact to create branching during a self-splicing process in yeast. The researchers found that a specific section of the intron is essential for forming this branched structure; when they shortened that part, the branching didn't happen, emphasizing the importance of a specific region of the intron. These findings help us understand how RNA structures function, which is crucial for understanding genetic processes in cells. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists studying RNA and genetic expression.

PubMed

Frequent Co-Authors

Keun-Wook Lee Devalingam Mahalingam Byoung Yong Shim In-Ho Kim Do-Youn Oh Hope Uronis Sun Jin Sym Mohamad Sonbol Khaldoun Almhanna Mohamedtaki A Tejani

Physician data sourced from the NPPES NPI Registry . Publication data from PubMed . Plain-English summaries generated by AI. Not medical advice.