DNA-targeted radioimmunotherapy [ 2002 - 2004 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Roger Martin (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Jonathan White

Brief description Radioimmunotherapy is an experimental method of cancer treatment, involving the use of radioactive isotopes, which are targeted to tumour cells using specific molecules as carriers. These carriers are known as anti-tumour antibodies, and they bind specifically to tumour cells. Recent advances in molecular biology and in the understanding of the nature of tumour cells has resulted in the development of improved anti-tumour antibodies, and such improvements can be expected to continue. However, this project is concerned not with the tumour targeting aspect of radioimmunotherapy, but rather with the payload or cytotoxic mechanism, in which the radiation damage is focused on the DNA of the cell. In summary, the project explores a new approach in cancer radioimmunotherapy. This approach will be evaluated firstly in cultures of tumour cells and then in mice bearing transplanted tumours. If successful this project will result in the development of a new cell kill technology that can be combined with different anti-tumour antibodies.

Funding Amount $AUD 391,650.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant