PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK pathways in adrenocortical cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pre-clinical targeting of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathways in adrenocortical cancer: impact on steroidogenesis, cell proliferation and apoptosis
IRAS ID
115806
Contact name
Dorota Dworakowska
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Kings College Hospital
Research summary
Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a rare malignant disease with poor prognosis. Challenges remain for diagnostic, predictive and prognostic assessments. Current treatment option includes surgery but it is available only for selected patients. New therapeutic modalities are necessary to improve patient outcome.
The number of patients with ACC seen in once centre is limited, hence national cooperation is essential in introducing diagnostic and treatment guidance. We plan to integrate the research efforts of several teams from UK (London, Oxford, and Newcastle).
This project is supported by a grant to Dr Dorota Dworakowska MD PhD, which is co-financed by Foundation for Polish Science and EU.
Our preliminary data indicate that urinary steroid profile detects ACC pre-surgically, normalizes after radical surgery and served as a marker of recurrence of disease.
We will assess the expression profile of PI3K/Akt/mTOR, RAF/MEK/ERK pathways as well as genes involved in steroidogenesis in ACC.
We hope that this project will contribute significantly to understanding of the molecular biology of ACC, identification of new prognostic markers and targeted therapies.
REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1967
Date of REC Opinion
12 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion