Dr. Peter Stirling (Stirling Lab) has received a one-year research grant through Brain Cancer Canada for his groundbreaking glioblastoma (GBM) research.
Dr. Stirling's project, titled "Developing new dual function therapies that kill tumour cells and activate immune responses in glioblastomas," targets the aggressive and notoriously treatment-resistant GBM tumours. These tumours often suppress local immune responses, making them difficult to treat with conventional chemotherapy alone. The research focuses on a novel chemotherapeutic approach that not only targets tumour cells but also activates the local immune system, potentially overcoming the immune resistance often seen in glioblastomas.
The project benefits from the collaboration with experts like Dr. Philip Hieter, Professor of Medical Genetics at the Michael Smith Laboratories at the University of British Columbia, and Dr. Sheila Singh, Professor in the Department of Surgery and Biochemistry at McMaster University, who bring specialized knowledge in molecular genetics and clinical practice, respectively. This diverse team will develop therapies that are expected to attack glioblastomas on two fronts: directly killing sensitive tumour cells and recruiting the immune system to tackle resistant cells.
"Our goal is to transform the treatment landscape for glioblastoma patients by developing therapies that are not only more effective but also harness the body's own immune system to fight cancer,” said Dr. Stirling. “This could significantly improve outcomes for patients facing this challenging diagnosis.”
The research integrates cutting-edge technology with clinical insights to address the complex nature of glioblastoma. By focusing on the DNA damage response and its interaction with immune system activation, Dr. Stirling's team is paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies that could substantially impact glioblastoma treatment protocols.
This article has been adapted from its original version. Read the original story here.