Addition of vascular normalization therapy to improve the uptake and efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in advanced ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy and treatment strategies have remained unchanged for decades. A hallmark of tumour progression is the ability to rapidly develop new blood supply; however, aggressive growth signals result in dysfunctional blood vessels that reduce tumour perfusion and promote hypoxia. This tumour microenvironment promotes chemoresistance and suppresses natural and therapy-induced immune responses, resulting in therapy failure. We have developed a novel biologic, Fc3TSR, that attenuates these aggressive vascular growth signals within the tumour. In previous work, Fc3TSR remodelled the tumour microenvironment, improved therapy uptake, and reduced tumour growth. Our goal is to harness the ability of Fc3TSR to re-sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy, and remodel the tumour microenvironment to enhance the uptake and efficacy of chemo- and immuno-therapies in ovarian cancer. In a murine model of advanced ovarian cancer, Fc3TSR will be administered with chemotherapy or immunotherapy, pembrolizumab. We believe Fc3TSR will remodel tumour vasculature to enhance the efficacy of chemo- and immuno-therapies, leading to tumour regression. This research will address main impediments to therapeutic success, including accessibility of compounds to the tumour and widespread immunosuppression. We will work with NORI to develop novel biologics for ovarian cancer that will be tested in powerful

Faculty Supervisor:

Jim Petrik

Student:

Partner:

Novel Oncology Research and Innovation Inc.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Guelph

Program: