Description
Cancer is the leading cause of premature death worldwide. Around 20 million new cases are diagnosed each year. Current cancer treatments - surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy - can be invasive, often ineffective in late stages of the disease and cause serious side effects. There is therefore an urgent need for safer and more effective treatments.
Achievable results
The aim of this research is to develop an innovative approach to help the body restore its own ability to fight cancer. In this project, scientists will characterise a previously identified inhibitor of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) that is able to block the mechanism by which tumour cells evade attack by the immune system. The project team plans to analyse the biophysical properties, metabolic stability and anticancer efficacy of the molecule in mouse models.
Benefit
The proposed therapy could provide a more targeted, less toxic and more widely available treatment option for advanced cancer.
