Chris Raffoul

Dr. Chris Raffoul

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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6 August 2025 in Pharmaceutics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JRJoe Rizkallah
Joe Rizkallah
NCNicole Charbel
Nicole Charbel
AYAbdallah Yassine
Abdallah Yassine
Amal El MasriAmal El Masri
Amal El Masri
CRChris Raffoul
Chris Raffoul
FKFiras Kreidieh
Firas Kreidieh
Melittin, a cytolytic peptide derived from honeybee venom, has demonstrated potent anticancer activity through mechanisms such as membrane disruption, apoptosis induction, and modulation of key signaling pathways. Melittin exerts its anticancer activity by interacting with key molecular targets, including downregulation of the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways, and by inducing mitochondrial apoptosis through reactive oxygen species generation and cytochrome c release. However, its clinical application is hindered by its systemic and hemolytic toxicity, rapid degradation in plasma, poor pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity, necessitating the development of targeted delivery strategies to enable safe and effective treatment. Nanoparticle-based delivery systems have emerged as a promising strategy for overcoming these challenges, offering improved tumor targeting, reduced off-target effects, and enhanced stability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms through which melittin exerts its anticancer effects and evaluates the development of various melittin-loaded nanocarriers, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, micelles, and inorganic systems. It also summarizes the preclinical evidence for melittin nanotherapy across a wide range of cancer types, highlighting both its cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects. The potential of melittin nanoparticles to overcome multidrug resistance and synergize with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, photothermal therapy, and radiotherapy is discussed. Despite promising in vitro and in vivo findings, its clinical translation remains limited. Key barriers include toxicity, manufacturing scalability, regulatory approval, and the need for more extensive in vivo validation. A key future direction is the application of computational tools, such as physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling and artificial-intelligence-based modeling, to streamline development and guide its clinical translation. Addressing these challenges through focused research and interdisciplinary collaboration will be essential to realizing the full therapeutic potential of melittin-based nanomedicines in oncology. Overall, this review synthesizes the findings from over 100 peer-reviewed studies published between 2008 and 2025, providing an up-to-date assessment of melittin-based nanomedicine strategies across diverse cancer types.

7 July 2025 in Biomedicines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RKrita khoury
rita khoury
CRChris Raffoul
Chris Raffoul
CKChristina Khater
Christina Khater
CHColette Emile Hanna
Colette Emile Hanna
Precision medicine is transforming hematologic cancer care by tailoring treatments to individual patient profiles and moving beyond the traditional “one-size-fits-all” model. This review outlines foundational technologies, disease-specific advances, and emerging directions in precision hematology. The field is enabled by molecular profiling techniques, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), whole-exome sequencing (WES), and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), as well as epigenomic and proteomic analyses. Complementary tools such as liquid biopsy and minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring have improved diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic decision making. We discuss major molecular targets and personalized strategies across hematologic malignancies: FLT3 and IDH1/2 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML); Philadelphia chromosome–positive and Ph-like subtypes in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); BCR-ABL1 in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML); TP53 and IGHV mutations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); molecular subtypes and immune targets in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and other lymphomas; and B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) in multiple myeloma. Despite significant progress, challenges remain, including high costs, disparities in access, a lack of standardization, and integration barriers in clinical practice. However, advances in single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, drug repurposing, immunotherapies, pan-cancer trials, precision prevention, and AI-guided algorithms offer promising avenues to refine treatment and improve outcomes. Overcoming these barriers will be critical for ensuring the equitable and widespread implementation of precision medicine in routine hematologic oncology care.

15 March 2025 in Lung Cancer
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
GJGhina Jaber
Ghina Jaber
CRChris Raffoul
Chris Raffoul
TDTasnim Diab
Tasnim Diab
SSSara Sinno
Sara Sinno
ZBZeina Barakat
Zeina Barakat
HAHazem Assi
Hazem Assi

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RKrita khoury
rita khoury
CRChris Raffoul
Chris Raffoul
CHColette Emile Hanna
Colette Emile Hanna
KSKhalil Saleh
Khalil Saleh
LULebanese American University
Lebanese American University
HGHady Ghanem
Hady Ghanem
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for up to 85% of lung cancer cases, with activating EGFR mutations present in 10–15% of Western and up to 35% of Asian patients. EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have transformed management, with first-line osimertinib demonstrating a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 18.9 months and overall survival (OS) of 38.6 months in the FLAURA trial. However, resistance inevitably develops, most commonly via T790M mutations (~50% of cases after first- and second-generation TKIs), and after osimertinib, through diverse mechanisms including C797S mutations, MET/HER2 amplification, and histologic transformation. Emerging strategies to overcome resistance include next-generation TKIs, combination targeted therapies, downstream pathway inhibitors, immunotherapy approaches, and antibody–drug conjugates. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for optimizing patient outcomes and guiding personalized therapeutic approaches. This review discusses current strategies to delay or overcome resistance and highlights emerging therapeutic avenues with the potential to reshape the management of EGFR-mutant NSCLC.

17 January 2026 in Medical Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
TDTasnim Diab
Tasnim Diab
ATAli Tarhini
Ali Tarhini
GJGhina Jaber
Ghina Jaber
CRChris Raffoul
Chris Raffoul
NZNijad Zeineddine
Nijad Zeineddine
HAHazem Assi
Hazem Assi
Background: Sarcomas are rare, aggressive malignancies with limited therapeutic options in advanced stages. This is the first real-world study in the MENA region evaluating the clinical utility of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) in guiding sarcoma treatment and improving outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed sarcoma patients who underwent NGS at a major referral center (2021–2024), comparing clinical and molecular outcomes between those who received NGS-based treatment adjustments (NBTA) and those who did not. Results: Seventy-eight patients were included (60% male; median age 44 years). Soft tissue sarcomas accounted for 70.5% of cases (n = 55), while bone sarcomas represented 29.5% (n = 23). Prior to NGS, 64.1% of patients had received a median of one line of systemic therapy. NGS was performed late in the disease course in 73% of cases. At least one mutation was detected in 87% (median 3 mutations). Targetable alterations were identified in 33% at the time of testing, rising to 42% with updated genomic knowledge and therapeutic advances. Overall, 20.5% received NBTA. Among non-NBTA patients, 67% had no actionable targets, 17% had no detectable mutations, and 16% were ineligible due to cost, limited access, or clinical deterioration. Tumor Mutational Burden was low in 79%, intermediate in 19%, and high in 2%, and all tumors were microsatellite stable. Patients receiving NBTA had a longer median Progression-Free Survival (9 vs. 2 months; p = 0.023). Median Overall Survival was longer in the NBTA group (74 vs. 48 months), though not statistically significant (p = 0.207). Genomic alterations were subtype-specific: EWSR1 rearrangements (Ewing and Desmoplastic small round cell tumors), CDK4 and MDM2 amplifications (Liposarcoma and Osteosarcoma), TP53 and RB1 mutations (Leiomyosarcoma), CDKN2A/B deletions (Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma and Chondrosarcoma), and SS18 rearrangements (Synovial Sarcoma). Conclusions: Genomics-guided therapy in sarcoma is feasible and impactful. Expanding timely access to molecular profiling is essential for advancing precision oncology in the MENA region.