Cancer Metastasis Inhibitor

Advantages

• Identification of new target molecules and pathways for cancer metastasis
• Extending recurrence-free survival after localized treatment of oligometastatic cancer
• Personalized treatment with companion diagnostics

Current Stage and Key Data

Research stage of target molecules and mechanisms (discovery stage)

Bone metastasis was suppressed in a bone metastasis model mouse that administered a cancer cell line in which the target molecule was knocked down with shRNA (right panel). Bone metastasis was suppressed by administering inhibitors of factors downstream of the target molecule. Identification of a group of marker molecules whose expression is increased or decreased in metastasis-initiating cells.

Partnering Model

Collaborative research into screening and optimization of inhibitors of this target molecule (nucleic acids, small molecule compounds, etc.)

• Preferred indication: Extending recurrence-free survival after local therapy of oligometastatic breast cancer
• Examples of potential partners: Biotech/pharmaceutical companies, Drug discovery companies

Background

In the development of bone metastatic tumors, metastasis initiating cells (MICs) remain dormant in bone tissue and are reactivated to form metastatic lesions, which are the root cause of metastatic recurrence. Therefore, it is believed that therapeutic strategies targeting MICs are the most effective way to prevent metastatic recurrence. However, the factors that determine the survival and reactivation of MICs have not been identified.

We established a highly reproducible mouse model of bone metastasis with reactivation from metastatic latency and identified target molecules by analyzing an in vivo database in combination with human clinical samples. We confirmed that metastasis can be suppressed by using substances that inhibit the target molecules or their pathways.

Principal Investigator

Shinya Tanaka (Department of Cancer Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University)

Reference

• Paper: Unpublished
• Patent: Patent pending (unpublished)

*Additional information can be disclosed under the CDA.

Project ID:BK-05221