Tumor Reduction and Enhanced Responsiveness to Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy Via Selective Removal of Iron: Mechanism and Preclinical Evaluation

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to use in vitro and in vivo models to validate the hypothesis that the ironchelator, DIBI, can selectively inhibit the proliferation and survival of breast cancer cells and that the combination of this chelator with radiation or standard chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., cisplatin and docetaxel) increases the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to the treatment regime. In collaboration with Chelation Partners Inc. (CPI), this study will investigate the mechanisms underlying DIBI’s selective anti-cancer activity and will screen DIBI-chemotherapeutic drug and –radiation combinations to allow us to determine the most effective and potent regimes for possible use in breast cancer treatment. Combinatorial treatment approaches that capitalize on the cytotoxic and/or cytostatic effects of restricting iron availability may enhance treatment outcomes while simultaneously improving patient quality of life by limiting the adverse side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy by decreasing the required treatment dosage

Faculty Supervisor:

David Hoskin

Student:

Partner:

Chelation Partners Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: