| Project title | Targeting the Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor-a in Brain Cancer |
|---|---|
Grant Amount | $135,000 |
Institution | Monash University |
Investigator Team | Principal investigator Prof. Terry Johns |
Grant Type | Tony Lucas Research Grant |
Years | 2014 – 2016 |
Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFR-α) is a protein that promotes the growth and survival of brain cancer cells. Many brain cancers have hyperactivated PDGFR-α further contributing to brain cancer growth. Recently, Prof. Johns identified a new PDGFR-α mutation that might have an important role in brain cancer. This project will determine how common this new mutation is in brain cancer and what role it has in the development of the disease.
Prof. Johns and his team have a number of experimental drugs that block the activity of PDGFR-α, including the drug AMG 706. They believe that these drugs should inhibit the growth of brain cancers that have hyperactivated PDGFR-α. Overall, these studies may lead to a new therapeutic strategy for treatment of those brain cancers where PDGFR-α plays an important role.
“These studies may lead to a new therapeutic strategy for treatment of those brain cancers where PDGFR-α plays an important role.”
Prof. Terry Johns
Progress
We have tested the drug AMG 706 against a range of adult and paediatric brain cancer cell lines where we believe PDGFR has a role in the tumour growth. Our results indicate that AMG 706 blocks the growth of a range of brain cancer cell lines.
Our work has shown that AMG 706 is an effective therapy against adult brain cancer cells (glioma) both in culture at the bench and in animal models. It is particularly effective when used in combination with Panitumumab, a drug that targets another receptor called EGFR.