Innovation in cancer cell destruction.
Genome manipulation
The lab exploited the hypoxic nature of prostate tumours to target therapeutic gene expression to these treatment resistant cells. These gene therapy vectors could induce up to 60% growth inhibition in vitro. Similarly the control of gene expression with ionising radiation was possible with tissue plasminogen gene. The lab is now examining the potential of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system to improve cancer cells destruction.
Radiotherapy Combinations
The lab has tested the impact of many inhibitors on the radiation response of prostate cancer cells. These include the YB-1 inhibitor Fisetin, Notch inhibitors, p53 inhibitors. Work with collaborators enabled the assessment of androgen deprivation in animal models.
Nanoparticles.
The lab has teamed up with nanoparticles specialists to examine their potential for the development of novel agents for improved cancer cell detection and destruction. Watch this space!