Development of novel EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the management of glioma, head and neck and other cancers [ 2001 - 2003 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Edouard Nice (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Francesca Walker ,  Prof Antony Burgess

Brief description Abnormalities in EGF-EGFR family signalling pathways have been implicated in many human cancers including glioma, squamous cell carcinome of the head and neck, colon, ovary and prostate, and are associated with poor clinical prognosis, non-responsiveness to chemotherapy, and decreased survival. Inhibitors of these pathways would therefore be useful anti-cancer pharmaceuticals. This proposal outlines experiments aimed at understanding the role of the individual EGFR family members in controlling a complex signalling network, and the development of novel small molecule inhibitors of these pathways which are specific for individual EGFR family members and which should prove effective in the management of many forms of cancer. Additionally, the potential synergy of these inhibitors in combination therapy with other anti-cancer drugs and reagents which induce cell death will be investigated. These small molecule pharmaceuticals could easily be produced commercially, and taken into clinical trials, in Australia.

Funding Amount $AUD 196,527.54

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant