Novel radiation and targeted therapy combinations for improving rectal cancer outcomes

Pennel, K., Dutton, L. , Melissourgou-Syka, L. , Roxburgh, C. , Birch, J. and Edwards, J. (2024) Novel radiation and targeted therapy combinations for improving rectal cancer outcomes. Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, (doi: 10.1017/erm.2024.15) (PMID:38623751) (Accepted for Publication)

Abstract

Neoadjuvant radiotherapy is commonly used as standard treatment for rectal cancer. However, response rates are variable and survival outcomes remain poor, highlighting the need to develop new therapeutic strategies. Research is focused on identifying novel methods for sensitizing rectal tumours to radiotherapy to enhance responses and improve patient outcomes. This can be achieved through harnessing tumour promoting effects of radiation or preventing development of radio-resistance in cancer cells. Many of the approaches being investigated involve targeting the recently published new dimensions of cancer hallmarks. This review article will discuss key radiation and targeted therapy combination strategies being investigated in the rectal cancer setting, with a focus on exploitation of mechanisms which target the hallmarks of cancer.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The authors would like to acknowledge funding from CRUK RadNet (JE, KP, CR), Chief Scientific Office (KP, JE) (EPD/22/13), (TCS/22/02), NHS Endowment grant (GN21ON351) (KP, JE), UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (MR/T04358X/1) (LD, JB).
• Keywords: rectal cancer, radiation, radio-sensitisation, targeted therapy, combination therapy, synergy, hallmarks of cancer
• Status: Accepted for Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Dutton, Ms Louise and Edwards, Professor Joanne and Pennel, Miss Kathryn and Birch, Dr Joanna and Melissourgou-Syka, Lydia and Roxburgh, Professor Campbell
• Authors: Pennel, K., Dutton, L., Melissourgou-Syka, L., Roxburgh, C., Birch, J., and Edwards, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Journal Name: Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• ISSN: 1462-3994
• ISSN (Online): 1462-3994
• Published Online: 16 April 2024
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2024 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine 2024
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
317772		An investigation into the therapeutic potential of combining radiotherapy and IKK inhibition for rectal cancer patients	Kathryn Pennel	Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSO)	EPD/22/13	School of Cancer Sciences
316907		IL6/JAK/STAT3 pathway in colorectal cancer	Joanne Edwards	Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSO)	TCS/22/02	SCS - Translational Pharmacology Lab
309434		Targeting radiation driven invasion and metastasis in cancers of unmet need	Joanna Birch	Medical Research Council (MRC)	MR/T04358X/1	SCS - Therapeutic Science Research