Grant: CIHR New Investigator

A form of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma (BCC) develops due to sun light induced gene mutations in skin and hair follicle cells. Over 70,000 cases of BCC occur in Canada each year which are normally treated by expensive surgical removal. Recent studies by the grant applicants have identified a number of genes that are highly expressed in BCCs as compared to healthy skin. In particular we have found CXC chemokines are produced at high levels by BCCs. CXC chemokines are proteins that are released by the cells as a way to communicate with each other. We will use cell cultures and cancer models to identify the importance of CXC chemokine communication in BCC growth. First we will show how these products can stimulate BCC growth. Then we will try to prevent BCC development by blocking the actions of these CXC chemokines. This study will help us to understand the mechanisms involved in BCC development and we may identify new ways to block their growth. New drug treatments for BCC may reduce or even avoid the need for surgical removal of the cancer. Drug application should be a cheaper and less physically and psychologically damaging treatment approach for patients than surgical removal.