Targeting heat shock protein 27 in colorectal cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Targeting heat shock protein 27 in colorectal cancer
IRAS ID
119733
Contact name
Eithne Costello
Contact email
Research summary
Colorectal cancer is the second highest cause of cancer deaths in the UK. Heat shock protein-27 (HSP27) is a protein which protects stressed cells from undergoing cell death. We identified that some rectal cancers have high levels of HSP27 in their cells and this correlates with poor patient survival. Elevated HSP27 also predicts poor survival after chemotherapy in patients with colon cancer. HSP27 is released by tumour cells into their microenvironment and may reduce the ability of the patients’ immune cells to destroy the tumour and protect cancer cells from chemotherapy. We plan to investigate the effects of HSP27 on the immune response and outcome from chemotherapy. Method: Cells extracted from human colorectal cancers will be cultured and the HSP27 eliminated using the anti-HSP27 drug OGX-427. The effect of chemotherapy on the cells will be measured. Colorectal cancers will be grown in mice and the tumour size and the type of immune cells in the tissue will be quantified and matched to HSP27 levels. The mice will be treated with chemotherapy and the response correlated with HSP27 expression. Various types of immune cells will be counted in 400 human colorectal cancers and the results matched with HSP27 levels and survival. Hoped for results of this research: The OGX-427 drug will lower HSP27 levels and improve response to chemotherapy in human tumour cells. Inhibition of HSP27 will also reduce secretion of HSP27 and result in an altered immune response to the tumour. Changes in the immune response accorded to HSP27 levels will be mirrored in human colorectal cancer tissue. Changes to the current position if the research is successful: Trials of the drug OGX-427 are underway in urothelial and prostate cancer patients. This research will provide evidence for similar trials in colorectal cancer patients.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0314
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jun 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion