Molecularly Targeted Radionuclide Therapy - Stand Up to Cancer

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Pancreatic Cancer Collective Research Team: Molecularly Targeted Radionuclide Therapy via Integrin AlphaVBeta6 New Therapies Challenge

Grant Term: November 2018–December 2019

This team proposes the protein called integrin αvβ6 as a target for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), an approved molecular targeted therapy used to treat neuroendocrine tumors. αvβ6 is significantly increased in pancreatic cancer, especially in metastasis. The scientists have developed a radiolabeled αvβ6-targeting peptide that they have successfully used to image pancreatic cancer metastases. In this study they are developing and testing a similar peptide that can be used specifically to kill pancreatic cancer cells.

ABOUT THIS TEAM’S RESEARCH

The majority of pancreatic cancer patients will present with metastatic disease. The protein called integrin αvβ6 is significantly up-regulated in pancreatic cancer, including in metastases. αvβ6 is a particularly attractive target for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT).

Certain peptides have been shown to be promising for treatment of advanced neuroendocrine tumors and castration-resistant prostate cancer. Team researchers have developed a radiolabeled peptide for use in PET imaging, and with this new agent have been able to successfully create images of metastases of pancreatic cancers. They now aim to further develop this peptide for research and clinical uses.

The team is performing all the necessary preclinical testing including in vivo imaging and assessment of therapeutic efficacy in murine models of pancreatic cancer, toxicology studies, preparation of chemistry manufacturing, control documentation, and preparation of a clinical protocol, culminating in the submission of an investigational new drug to the U.S. FDA for a first-in-human therapy trial. The completion of phase I will allow the researchers to rapidly move to a multisite therapeutic trial of this agent in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

This team is part of the Pancreatic Cancer Collective, an initiative of the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research and Stand Up To Cancer.

SEE SCIENTIFIC ABSTRACT

MEET THE TEAM

The top scientists and researchers on the Pancreatic Cancer Collective Research Team: Molecularly Targeted Radionuclide Therapy via Integrin AlphaVBeta6 New Therapies Challenge come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, which leads them to great insights upon collaboration. Learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Collective Research Team: Molecularly Targeted Radionuclide Therapy via Integrin AlphaVBeta6 New Therapies Challenge.

Julie L. Sutcliffe, PhD
Team Leader
University of California, Davis
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Richard L. Bold, MD
Co-leader
University of California, Davis
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Team Members

Julie L. Sutcliffe, PhD
University of California, Davis
Team Leader

Richard L. Bold, MD
University of California, Davis
Co-leader

Cameron Foster, MD
University of California, Davis
Principal

Nadine Bauer, MS
University of California, Davis
Project Manager

“
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“At the end of the proposed research, we will facilitate a first-in-human therapy study with peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) and begin to provide new hope for individuals affected by this devastating malignancy.”

Julie L. Sutcliffe, PhD
University of California, Davis

TEAM PROGRESS UPDATES

Stand Up To Cancer’s research projects are designed to foster collaborative, swift translational research. The hallmarks of these efforts include rigorous application and selection procedures, sufficient funding to allow scientists to focus on the objectives of the grant, and six-monthly reviews by senior scientists. These reviews help the investigators capitalize on the latest findings, address potential roadblocks, and collaboratively evolve as the science requires. Please click on the link to see summaries of the research results so far for the Pancreatic Cancer Collective Research Team: Molecularly Targeted Radionuclide Therapy via Integrin AlphaVBeta6 New Therapies Challenge.

TEAM PROGRESS UPDATES

PUBLICATIONS

This team started its work in November 2018; links to publications will be posted when they are available.

CLINICAL TRIALS REFERRALS

Cancer clinical trials allow researchers to study innovative and potentially life-saving new treatments. The goal is to find treatments that are better than what’s currently available, in fact the therapies offered to today’s cancer patients were almost all studied and made possible by people participating in clinical trials. But many cancer clinical trials don’t get completed because not enough people participate.

At StandUpToCancer.org/ClinicalTrials, you’ll find information and answers to common questions about clinical trials. Learn more and talk to your doctor to see if a clinical trial may be the best choice for you.

You can also connect with EmergingMed, a free and confidential clinical trial matching service that provides access to a vast database to help you identify the clinical trials that might be right for you or your loved one.

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