Grant: Operating Grant

New diagnostic tools can improve the clinical management of patients with breast and prostate cancers, two of the most common types of cancer. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a powerful imaging technique that can follow tracers for the detection of tumors with dedicated scanners. From previous work, we have identified several tracers that bind proteins involved in breast and prostate cancers. We have also shown that these new imaging tools can be used to detect tumors in some animal models. Although these preliminary results are important, the biological properties of our tracers still have to be improved for their use in humans. In this proposal, we propose to modify their structures to improve their stability and their efficacy on breast and prostate cancer cells. Once suitable and stable tracers identified, we will perform PET imaging in mice bearing human breast and prostate tumors. The most promising candidate(s) will be injected in rats at 1000x the expected dose for diagnostic use to ensure they will be safe to administer to humans. Finally, we will prepare the submission data for a phase I clinical trial application with the best tracer(s). Developing new tracers is critical for accurate early detection when breast and prostate cancers can be treated with minimal discomfort, complications and costs. These new tools will also enable assessment of cancer stage and aggressiveness that are critical to identify which patients need to be treated and what treatment should be administered. With the deployment of PET technology in several sites in Canada, the success of this proposal may lead to immediate clinical applications to improve the care of patients suffering from cancer.