Why We Funded It:
This project will investigate a potential new treatment for
prostate cancer by employing a drug delivery system that will limit
side effects by specifically acting against tumour cells
only. The available treatment options for men with advanced
prostate cancer are currently limited, and the side effects of many
standard cancer treatments are severe. This research may provide us
with some answers on how to treat tumours without causing harm to
healthy cells, thus preventing treatment side effects. This
would be a significant advance to increase the survival and the
quality of life of men with advanced prostate cancer.
Scientific Title: Development of
tumour-selective therapeutics for advanced prostate cancer.
Research project summary:
The aim of this project is to develop new types of drugs for
prostate cancer which are inactive in the body until they come into
contact with the tumour. Specific proteins in tumour cells (called
MMPs) will become active and cause the release of a very potent
chemotherapeutic drug. This means the drug will have a better
effect specifically against the tumour, and will have much lower
side effects. The proposed strategy will deliver much higher
amounts of the drug directly to the tumour and will avoid unwanted
side effects that result from the presence of the active drug in
other parts of the body. This will lead to better treatment with
reduced side effects and better quality of life for men with
advanced prostate cancer.
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