Brain Cancer Canada Awards an $80,000 research grant to the development of dual function therapies that harness the body's own immune system to kill brain tumour cells in glioblastomas
23 Mayo 2024 - 7:45AM
Brain Cancer Canada is excited to announce $80,000 research grant
has been awarded to Dr. Peter Stirling, PhD, Associate Professor at
the University of British Columbia and Senior Scientist at the
Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer. This grant supports innovative
research aimed at developing bi-functional FEN1 inhibitors that
promise to enhance the treatment of glioblastomas by inducing
synthetic lethality and stimulating the immune response within
tumors.
Dr. Stirling's project, titled "Developing new dual function
therapies that kill tumour cells and activate immune responses in
glioblastomas," targets the aggressive and notoriously
treatment-resistant glioblastoma (GBM) tumors. These tumors often
suppress local immune responses, making them difficult to treat
with conventional chemotherapy alone. The research focuses on a
novel chemotherapeutic approach that not only targets tumor cells
but also activates the local immune system, potentially overcoming
the immune resistance often seen in glioblastomas.
The project benefits from the collaboration with experts like
Dr. Philip Hieter and Dr. Sheila Singh, who bring specialized
knowledge in molecular genetics and clinical practice,
respectively. This diverse team will develop therapies that are
expected to attack glioblastomas on two fronts: directly killing
sensitive tumor cells and recruiting the immune system to tackle
resistant cells.
Dr. Stirling shared his vision for the project, stating, "Our
goal is to transform the treatment landscape for glioblastoma
patients by developing therapies that are not only more effective
but also harness the body's own immune system to fight cancer. This
could significantly improve outcomes for patients facing this
challenging diagnosis."
Anita Angelini, Vice Chair of Brain Cancer Canada, highlighted
the significance of the community and corporate support: "This
research is made possible through the generous contributions from
Hudson Insurance Group, alongside our dedicated corporate and
personal donors. Their support is crucial in bridging the gap
between innovative research and tangible treatment
advancements."
The research integrates cutting-edge technology with clinical
insights to address the complex nature of glioblastoma. By focusing
on the DNA damage response and its interaction with immune system
activation, Dr. Stirling's team is paving the way for novel
therapeutic strategies that could substantially impact glioblastoma
treatment protocols.
This grant follows two other significant research grants issued
by Brain Cancer Canada this month, supporting projects led by Dr.
Claire Dubois at the Université de Sherbrooke and Dr. Sujoy Banik
at London Health Sciences Centre and the Lawson Health Research
Institute. Each of these grants is part of Brain Cancer Canada's
broader initiative during May's Brain Cancer Awareness Month, known
as 'Go Grey in May.' These efforts collectively demonstrate our
commitment to advancing research and support for brain cancer
patients across Canada.
For more details about this ground-breaking research initiative
and other efforts by Brain Cancer Canada, please contact
sac@braincancercanada.ca
Brain Cancer Canada is a national charity dedicated to
supporting individuals diagnosed with malignant brain tumors.
Through funding innovative research, neurosurgical technology, and
advocating for increased options for treatments, Brain Cancer
Canada aims to improve survival rates and the quality of life for
patients, while providing essential support to their families.
Media Contact:
Media@braincancercanada.ca