Dr. Alan So

2003 Research Trainee Award,

Bi-specific antisense and RNAi targeting of IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-5 as a novel treatment strategy for delaying progression and bony metastasis of prostate cancer

Prostate Cancer is the most common cause of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men in North America. But removing the androgens (male sex hormones) that regulate tumour growth — the only existing therapy shown to prolong survival — only produces temporary remission. Surviving tumour cells usually recur, becoming androgen independent. To improve survival, new therapeutic strategies must be developed. Dr. Alan So is exploring a novel way to treat prostate cancer at the molecular level. He is observing how prostate cancer is affected by shutting down two common genes in prostate cancer cells: IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-5 (insulin-like growth factor binding proteins). These genes are essential for prostate cancer to grow and spread to the bones. His research is also examining the effect of combining this treatment with chemotherapy on prostate cancer cells. The ultimate goal is to develop a more effective treatment for prostate cancer that can be tested in clinical trials. Completed award term, April 2004

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