Why we funded it
Preliminary data from this project may provide Dr Pshezhetskiy
with sufficient information to permit Phase 1 clinical testing of
RAD001 in humans. Phase 1 trials are done to find out a treatment's
safe dose range, side effects and whether it is effective against
the cancer. The potential benefit of this study would be increased
local control of prostate cancer treated with radiotherapy, and a
survival gain in men treated with chemotherapy for recurrent
prostate cancer.
Scientific title
mTor inhibition to sensitising prostate cancer to irradiation
and docetaxel chemotherapy.
Research project summary
Dr Pshezhetskiy will explore the potential of a molecule -
RAD001 - to make prostate cancer cells more sensitive to
chemotherapy and radiotherapy. They have already demonstrated that
concentrations of RAD001, which inhibits an enzyme - mTOR kinase -
makes prostate cancer cells sensitive to chemo- and radio-therapy.
They will further investigate the effects of RAD001 on signaling
and study how RAD001 works together with docetaxel chemotherapy and
radiation to improve treatment effects.