Both triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and serous type ovarian cancer are dependent on the activity of the proteasome for survival.

OCRF-funded research project

DEVELOPING A COMBINATION THERAPY TARGETING TRIPLE-NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER AND HIGH-GRADE SEROUS OVARIAN CANCER

Institution: QIMR Berghofer Research Medical Institute

Lead Researcher: Professor Kum Kum Khanna

Funding Awarded: $265,590

Total Collaborative Funding: $531,180

Funding collaboration: National Breast Cancer Foundation

Year/s: 2020-2022

Project Description:

Both triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and serous type ovarian cancer are dependent on the activity of the proteasome for survival. Proteasomes are protein complexes that recognise and degrade other proteins. Previous generations of proteasome inhibitor drugs showed poor effectiveness against cancer, as they could not penetrate solid tumours and had low potency. Marizomib is an orally bioavailable natural compound and is the latest generation of proteasome inhibitor. Marizomib is very effective in inhibiting the proteasome, has proven to be safe and can cross the blood-brain barrier, a common obstacle for treating metastatic disease that reaches the brain.

““Our other goal is to identify genes to help select breast or ovarian cancer patients who will respond best to marizomib-based combination therapy,”

Professor Khanna

Expected/Achieved Outcomes:

Knowledge Building: The aim of this project is to test marizomib’s effect on growth and metastasis of ovarian cancers. Furthermore, to determine the effectiveness against cancer of marizomib in combination with other FDA-approved drugs to enhance its effects will be tested. Finally, the team will also aim to identify genes that will aid selection of patients that are likely to respond to a marizomib-based combination therapy.