Harnessing the mutation-reactive T-cell response against metastatic colorectal cancer – Year two

Colorectal cancer, a leading cause of death worldwide, awaits new treatments due to high resistance of metastases toward chemotherapy. Similarly to infection, cancer cells can be recognized as foreign by T cells from the immune system because they express mutated proteins. Actually, T cells can be isolated from tumors, expanded in vitro and infused to the patient to eliminate cancer cells. This T cell adoptive immunotherapy is mostly studied against metastatic melanoma (skin cancer). Our main objective is to test whether T cells found within colorectal cancer liver metastases can recognize mutated proteins and determine their potential for use in immunotherapy. In parallel, a pre-clinical metastatic colon cancer mouse model will be built to better understand and refine immunotherapy. Ultimately, our research could lead to novel personalized treatment and extend patient’s life expectancy, positioning the Institut du Cancer de Montreal as leaders in cancer treatment in accordance with their mission.

Faculty Supervisor:

Simon Turcotte

Student:

Partner:

Institut du cancer de Montréal

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Université de Montréal

Program: