Why we funded it
A major clinical complication in both younger and older men with
advanced prostate cancer is the danger of cancer spreading to the
bone. The results of these studies will help determine whether
targeting Endo180 in men with prostate cancer could help prevent
spread of their disease to bone, greatly improving and extending
the lives of men with prostate cancer.
Scientific title
The role of Endo180 in prostate cancer cell migration and
metastasis.
Research project summary
Secondary tumours in the bone occur when cancerous cells move
from the prostate gland. Certain molecules help this process and
are good targets for preventative treatment. Dr Sturge's work in
breast cancer revealed that Endo180 can help cells from breast
tumours spread to secondary sites and antibodies targeted against
Endo180 stopped this cell movement. Endo 180 in breast cancer was
described as the 'Pied Piper' of breast cancer because of the way
it helped cells spread from one place to another. Similarly, this
research will investigate the role of the Endo180 molecule in
promoting the spread of prostate cancer.