.png)
Prof Peter Leedman
Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and University of Western Australia (WA)
$450,000
2021 - 2023
Background
Liver cancer incidence is increasing faster than any other cancer. In Australia, liver cancer deaths are estimated to increase by 85% to 3500 deaths in 2030 imposing a major medical and public health burden. When diagnosed at an early stage, treatments such as surgery or liver transplantation can be very successful. However, most patients are diagnosed at a later stage when the cancer is more difficult to treat, and outcomes are poor. There is an urgent need for new, more effective treatments for late-stage liver cancer.
The Research
Recently, a class of small molecules known as microRNAs has been described which are able to target and abolish specific genes essential to tumour growth. During this study we planned to use microRNAs in mouse models to reduce liver cancer cell proliferation. Positive results would suggest a microRNA as a potential cancer therapeutic and will provide an opportunity to improve the outcome in this disease.
The Impact
Delivery of synthetic microRNAs to tumours has the potential to significantly inhibit tumour progression. We have successfully shown we can deliver the treatment to normal liver. With the pending development of specific tumour models we predict we will demonstrate targeted delivery of this treatment reduces local recurrence and metastasis of liver cancer. For this common cancer, this new breakthrough will significantly change and importantly, extend people’s lives.
.svg)
