Maisie Lo

2005 Research Trainee Award, Senior Graduate Studentship

Identification and suppression of multi-drug resistant (MDR)-related ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of all cancer deaths and one of the most drug-resistant cancers known. New drugs and therapeutic approaches for this disease are urgently needed. Sulfasalazine (SASP) is an anti-inflammatory drug used in clinical treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have indicated that SASP is also potentially useful for treatment of a variety of cancers, including pancreatic cancer. In addition it has been reported that SASP can overcome resistance of pancreatic cancer cells to treatment with drugs. Maisie Lo is investigating the molecular basis of the anticancer activity of SASP and its effects on a recently developed, new model for human pancreatic cancer in immuno-deficient mice, i.e. alone and in combination with conventional drugs. If successful, the studies will indicate a new potential therapy for pancreatic cancer and form the basis of a future clinical trial. Completed award term, March 2007

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