Grant: Foundation Grant

The purpose of this research is to develop novel imaging and therapeutic agents, which have radioactive tags ("radioisotopes") that bind to markers found specifically at the surface of cancer cells. This allows for them to be delivered to specific cancer sites, while avoiding healthy tissues. We then observe these markers using a sensitive imaging method known as positron emission tomography that can be combined with other imaging methods such as CT or MRI scans. We developed several compounds that home in on cancer cells, with very high accumulation relative to healthy surrounding tissues. As part of this research, we will continue to develop and improve new compounds to deliver a radioactive payload to cancer cells, for diagnosis or treatment. We will focus on introducing these radiopharmaceuticals in early phase clinical trials, to set the stage to evaluate them across centres in Canada. Some radioisotopes can be used for treatment, to deliver radiation that localizes to cancer from an intravenous injection. We will use potent radioisotopes called alpha emitters, to kill cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal organs. Imaging probes that have exceptional signal in tumours, with minimal accumulation in normal tissue, are very promising for this purpose. The anticipated outcomes of this research program will be the introduction of novel imaging agents in the clinic, to benefit patients suffering from breast, prostate and other cancers. Our radiotracers will be shared with facilities across Canada, with the goal of multi-centre clinical trials, and eventual introduction into clinical use. Canadians will benefit by gaining early access to new imaging technologies, as well as proper cancer staging with the goal of improving survival / reducing mortality for cancer patients. Ultimately, with the appropriate radioisotope, some of these compounds will also be suitable to treat patients with advanced cancers that do not respond to conventional approaches.