Dr. Lin's lab is actively developing novel radiopharmaceuticals to improve cancer diagnosis and therapy. Current research efforts focus on (1) the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals targeting various potential markers expressed on cancer cell membranes; (2) the application of albumin binder to improve tumor uptake of radiotherapeutic agents; and (3) the application of cleavable linkers to reduce kidney uptake of peptide radiopharmaceuticals. 

Dr. Kuo-Shyan Lin's Research Gate Profile

Members

Faculty/Leaders

Staff

Cynthia Ferguson

Research Projects and Operations Leader

Jinhe Pan

Research Assistant

Post-Docs

Chao-Cheng (Jimmy) Chen

Post Doctoral Fellow

Students/Trainees

Shreya Bendre

Graduate Student

Fei Yuan (Kelly) Lu

Graduate student

Arsyangela Verena

Graduate student

Lei Wang

Graduate student

Open Positions

Graduate Student Position

Two graduate student positions are available at the Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Centre for the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals for detection and radiotherapy of cancer. The graduate student candidates will register through the Interdisciplinary Oncology Program (www.iop.ca), University of British Columbia, and pursue either an MSc or PhD degree.

The student candidate will conduct research on the design and synthesis of imaging probes and radiotherapeutic agents targeting biomarkers overexpressed in cancers. Research activities will involve the production and isolation of radioisotopes, peptide and multi-step organic synthesis, and radiolabeling small molecules, peptides and antibodies with imaging or radiotherapeutic isotopes.

Qualified candidates should have a bachelor degree preferably in chemistry with interests in organic or medicinal chemistry. The ability to conduct research in a collaborative environment is required including good oral and written communication skills in English. For more information regarding application for the Interdisciplinary Oncology Program at the University of British Columbia, please check the following website: www.iop.ca

Before applying, interested student candidates should first contact:
Dr. Kuo-Shyan Lin
Senior Scientist, BC Cancer Research Centre
Associate Professor, University of British Columbia
E-mail: klin@bccrc.ca

Selected Publications

Projects

Development of Receptor-targeting Radiopharmaceuticals

Various membrane receptors overexpressed in cancers are potential targets for diagnosis and therapy. These receptors include folate receptor, gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), somatostatin receptor type 2 (Sstr2), C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). Our lab is actively developing radiopharmaceuticals targeting these receptors to improve diagnosis and radiotherapy of cancer.

Development of FAP-targeting Radiopharmaceuticals

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a transmembrane serine protease, is overexpressed in cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the stromal component of most carcinomas. Due to its absence or low expression level in normal tissues, FAP represents a promising cancer diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. Our lab is actively exploring the use of radiolabeled FAP-targeting pharmacophores for imaging and radiotherapy of cancer.

Cleavable Linkers to Reduce Kidney Uptake of Peptide Radiopharmaceuticals

Radiolabeled peptides are promising pharmaceuticals for cancer diagnosis and therapy. However, high kidney uptake of peptide radiopharmaceuticals is frequently observed due to specific and/or nonspecific interactions. High kidney uptake of radiopharmaceuticals hinders the detection of cancer lesions adjacent to kidneys, and reduces the therapeutic dose which can be safely administered into patients. 

Sponsors

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