WASHINGTON, April 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Scientists at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit today presented a poster at the American Association for Cancer Research's 101st Annual Meeting 2010 that details their novel study of molecules that use a tumor's acidic microenvironment to help them tailor chemotherapeutic agents to kill the tumor.
The study is entitled, "Expression profiling of the major folate facilitative transporters in human tumors and normal tissues." Karmanos researchers, with the help of colleagues at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, discovered that low extracellular pH levels within tumors are critical in the effective delivery of novel cytotoxic antifolates - drugs that kill those tumors. They identified that the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT), which functions at an acidic pH level, may help in effectively targeting cytotoxic antifolates to tumors, based on their acid microenvironments.
PCFT and RFC transport folate into normal cells. Folate, a component of Vitamin B, is critical for cell and tissue regeneration.
Researchers determined expression levels for PCFT and RFC in human malignancies and normal tissues. They also identified PCFT and RFC transcript levels in 57 human solid tumor and 27 leukemia lines. Both RFC and PCFT transcripts were highly expressed in the majority of solid tumor cell lines. Only RFC was expressed appreciably in leukemia cell lines.
This study represents the first comprehensive analysis of PCFT expression in tumors and normal tissues and how this expression relates to RFC. Researchers believe the discovery of widespread PCFT expression in human solid tumors offers exciting new therapeutic possibilities for selectively targeting chemotherapy to tumors based on their acidic microenvironments.
Karmanos researchers say their work is preclinical but mention they are doing in vivo laboratory trials in mouse models. They are also talking to pharmaceutical companies to license some of the chemotherapeutic agents that are transported by PCFT. Licensing would allow the drugs to be used in human trials, according to Dr. Matherly.
About Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for nearly 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $216 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, Karmanos is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. Karmanos is southeastern Michigan's most preferred hospital for cancer care according to annual surveys conducted by the National Research Corporation. Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., is the Institute's president and chief executive officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org.
CONTACT: Patricia A. Ellis of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute,
+1-313-576-8629, cell: +1-313-410-3417
Web site: http://www.karmanos.org//
