Investigation of biomarkers of response to treatment with marizomib in GBM patients

Development of cancer is mainly due to uncontrolled cell growth and the proteasome is a cellular component that regulates this process. Resistance to chemotherapy is the main reason for cancer treatment failure, and therefore,there is a need for development of new and potent drugs. Recent studies have shown that proteasome inhibitors effectively inhibit growth of many cancer types, while causing low toxicity in normal human cells. Triphase Accelerator has developed marizomib as a potent proteasome inhibitor for treatment of a number of cancer types.
Glioblastoma is the most deadly primary human brain tumor, which is highly resistant to treatment. The goal of this collaborative project is to identify genes that could be used as markers for identification of glioblastoma patients that are more likely to respond to marizomib. Our collaboration with Triphase Accelerator provides this organization with scientific expertise, while our interns benefit by gaining industry experience and making connections.

Faculty Supervisor:

Gelareh Zadeh

Student:

Sheila Mansouri

Partner:

Triphase Research and Development II Corp

Discipline:

Medicine

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

University of Toronto