Site Specific Immunomodulator (SSI) QBECO to prevent postoperative immune suppression and attenuate postoperative metastases

In metastasis, cancer cells break away from where they were first formed (primary cancer) and travel to other parts of the body and form new (metastatic) tumours, which ultimately results in poor outcomes for cancer patients. Although surgical excision of metastatic tumour is often required, the act of surgery itself elicits profound suppression of immune function, and can sometimes results in acceleration of tumour recurrence. Such immune suppression highlights an unmet need in post-operative care, which our research is aiming to address by using Qu Biologics’ first-in-class Site-Specific Immunomodulator (SSI) therapy. The SSI is hypothesized to pre-emptively train the immune cells that are needed in combating cancer cells, to become more potent and active in order to withstand the suppressive effect that surgery brings. We will test this hypothesis first in mice mimicking the same surgical stress and subsequently, in cancer patients undergoing surgical resection of colorectal liver metastasis. This translational research is novel and has the potential to provide lifechanging therapy to patients undergoing cancer excision surgery, ultimately extending disease-free survival.

Faculty Supervisor:

Rebecca Auer

Student:

Partner:

Qu Biologics

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: