Bio-analytical research at DCU towards improved patient monitoring for cancer therapy

2006

YEAR BOOK

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Dublin City University

Gillian McManon & Fiona Regan

Bio-analytical research at DCU towards improved patient monitoring for cancer therapy

Schematic showing the cyclic nature of translational research, from drug administration to bio-analysis to clinical decision-making in minimum time.

Cancer treatment is a major health issue worldwide. Ireland has particularly high levels of a number of incurable forms of cancer and chemotherapeutic drugs are a major component of the treatment of these. Despite 50 years of cancer chemotherapy usage, there is still much to understand about the pharmacology of these drugs. Through support from the Irish Cancer Society and other agencies, a team of research scientists at Dublin City University are developing state-of-the-art bioanalytical methods that can be used to measure cancer drugs and their metabolites in patients during chemotherapy. This translational research (see figure) will lead to a useful tool for clinicians to make decisions early in the care of patients and therefore make more informed dosage modifications on a patient-by-patient basis. The research is also enabling us to probe some of the fundamental questions about how chemotherapy drugs operate in the human body by examining uptake and efflux of cancer drugs by tumour and normal cells.

The biotechnology industry is now developing better more targeted drugs, some-times termed 'magic bullets'. However, to make use of these drugs we must know what the correct combinations are, what levels are required for effect and how best to exploit old and new drug regimes. Even though Irish patients are treated with the latest drugs biotechnology can provide, individualised patient dosage is currently non-existent. This unique collaboration between Drs Gillian McMahon (School of Chemical Sciences), Robert O'Connor (National Institute of Cellular Biotechnology) and Fiona Regan (National Centre for Sensor Research) has so far led to a number of fast, sensitive and combination methods to be developed. These bioanalytical assays are based on separation techniques such as liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis and detection technologies including tandem mass spectrometry.

The overall research objective is to obtain maximum information from minimum sample amounts. We need to provide fast turnaround of results to clinicians to indicate potential need for dose modification during continued treatment cycles. The fruits of this research will enhance patient treatment and promote Ireland's overall participation in international biotech research.

For further information contact:
Dr Gillian Mc Mahon
E-mail: [email protected] or

Dr Fiona Regan
E-mail: [email protected]