They have been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Breast Cancer Research in New Zealand initiative, run by the Health Research Council of New Zealand, Breast Cancer Cure, and the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. This year the initiative focussed on proposals for potential targeted and immune therapies for breast cancer, preventative therapies, and early detection.
The work targets an enzyme called heparanase that is expressed by human cancer cells and breaks down areas surrounding the cells in the body. As a result of this breakdown, cancer cells can escape into the rest of the body and cause secondary tumours (metastases) that are the main cause of cancer death.
“This is an exciting area of research that is directed at the real killer when it comes to breast cancer – metastasis. Once metastasis occurs, surgical removal of the tumour or a mastectomy can no longer be used as treatment,” says Emeritus Professor Miller.
Emeritus Professor Miller’s research aims to prevent heparanase from acting using sulfate-based compounds. So far their research has been successful in mice, and with the help of the grant the research team will be able to complete further testing and research.
“Early work has shown that our compounds are potent inhibitors of metastasis in mice, and we’re very excited to see if this translates to breast cancer and other cancers,” Emeritus Professor Miller says. “Our compounds are non-toxic to normal cells, and are also less complicated to make, which will make them economical to produce in the long run.”
Professor Kath McPherson, chief executive of the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC), says the goal of this funding partnership is to secure high-quality breast cancer research, and to improve and ultimately ensure survival from the disease.
“It’s thought the most effective treatments for breast cancer in the future will focus on targeted treatments and immune therapies,” she says.
“Professor Miller’s research target is an enzyme that plays a major role in tumour growth and metastasis, and has the potential to advance our knowledge in this area – we look forward to following his progress.”
Emeritus Professor Miller’s team will continue to test their work and design and refine their compound. Ultimately, they hope to generate pharmaceutical and venture capital interest and proceed to clinical trials.
This research is a collaboration between the School of Biological Sciences, the Ferrier Research Institute, the University of Auckland, the University of Liverpool, and A*STAR in Singapore.