Ion Homeostasis: A New Drug Target in Pancreatic Cancer

Novel Therapeutics & Platforms

Cosimo Commisso, PhD (SBP)

Andrew Lowy, MD (UC San Diego)

Hervé Tiriac, PhD (UC San Diego)

Pancreatic cancer patients face a daunting challenge due to the limited therapeutic options currently available. This project identifies a new way
to try to control the growth of pancreatic tumors by targeting regulators
of ion transport that maintain homeostasis of the cancer cells. By using sophisticated screening technologies, we have identified a family of kinases that have not been investigated in cancer. We will use cell-based proteomic approaches, patient-derived organoids, bioinformatics and tumor microarrays to examine these ion transport regulators as new therapeutic targets in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

“As a team, we are driven to identify novel therapeutic modalities for pancreatic cancer. This collaborative project aims to shut off the fuel supply to pancreatic tumors using an new strategy that has not been previously explored. With Curebound’s support, we aim to develop the preclinical rationale that will provide the framework for future therapeutic innovation.” - Cosimo Commisso