Tumour cells communicate with normal cells in the body through special communication bubbles called vesicles. After they reach a healthy cell, this cell is reprogrammed to the benefit of the cancer cell. Until now, no strategies to block these vesicles released by cancer cells have been developed due to lack specific markers and molecules. Recently we discovered that vesicles released by a subpopulation of cancer cells, have a specific characteristic (a protein) on their surface. The cancer cells that secrete these vesicles are present in 70% of all tumours. It is well established that these specific cells strongly influence the effect of cancer treatment through their communication vesicles to stimulate growth and spreading of the cancer cells. Blocking this protein stops communication between the tumour and healthy cells, preventing the tumour from growing bigger and spreading of disease. We have developed several molecules that bind to this protein, blocking the effects of these vesicles. In the Biotech Booster programme, we will further evaluate the effectiveness of these molecules and their ability to block the effects of vesicles released by these cancer cells. We will investigate this in several models of cancer in our lab.
Ultimately the aim is to select the best molecule to create a valuable anti-cancer therapy for patients around the world. As such, this would be first in its kind.
