Targeting the angiogenic and osteoclastic pathways in spinal cancer

Project Details

This project is will determine the efficiency of treatment therapies in inhibiting disease progression by targeting cancer-specific growth factors and pathways.

Bone metastases are incurable leaving only palliative care as a treatment option. Therapies that target key pathways mediating tumour migration and establishment at bone sites may prevent or delay the irreversible effects of bone fractures and onset of pain that eventuate. Our established mouse model of spinal cancer provides an ideal platform to test potential therapies as it closely resembles the human condition and tumour growth and spread into the spine can be closely tracked and assessed. The current proposal will test the following treatments, inhibition of angiogenic activity using the multi kinase inhibitor, Sorafenib and inhibition of osteoclastic bone resorption using the bisphosphonates, Denosumab and Zoledronic Acid.

To assess the effects of Sorafenib, Denosumab and Zoledronic Acid on tumour growth, invasion of the spine and spinal fracture and compression we will use a range of innovative imaging modalities including X-ray, CT and PET scanning as well as Bioluminescense imaging.

Researchers

Research Group

Spinal Biology Laboratory



Faculty Research Themes

Cancer

School Research Themes

Cancer in Medicine



Key Contact

For further information about this research, please contact the research group leader.

Department / Centre

Surgery

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