Identification of new biomarkers for neuroendocrine cancers

 

Overview

This project will investigate the mechanisms resulting in hypersecretion by neuroendocrine tumors, as well as identify the changes to the proteins secreted by such tumors. Identified candidate targets for modulation of hypersecretion could generate improved therapies. Furthermore, the resulting identification of candidate secretory protein biomarkers could become the basis of better diagnostic and prognostic markers.

 

Despite intense efforts to reduce its mortality rate, cancer is still the secondleading cause of death in the developed world. Particularly problematic are cancers derived from endocrine tumours. Their poor prognoses and aggressiveness appear to be strongly correlated with the amount of protein secreted by the tumour. These cancers are extremely difficult to diagnose correctly and cannot yet be diagnosed early. The existing treatments are ineffective in late-stage cancers, which is when they are usually identified. There is therefore an urgent need to improve diagnosis and develop drugs that are more effective against neuroendocrine tumours.

The aim of this collaborative project is to investigate the mechanisms resulting in neuroendocrine tumour hypersecretion, and to identify the changes undergone by the tumour-secreted proteins. The resulting identification of candidate targets for the modulation of hypersecretion may become the basis of new and improved therapeutics. It will also identify candidate secretory protein biomarkers with the potential to generate better diagnostic and prognostic markers. By identifying which proteins are secreted by the tumours under various conditions, the team will identify proteins in the cancer cells which can become the targets of improved diagnostics and therapies.

Impact on the drug discovery process

  • Identify cancerous proteins that may become new targets for the development of diagnostic tools and drugs
  • Allow an early diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancers
  • Discover better prognosis markers

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