The objective of the project is the development of an innovative anti-cancer product (cytostatic-antineoplastic) with targeted action on cancer cells that carry the gonadotropin releasing hormone receptors GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone or LHRH: Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone).
GnRH is a decapeptide, which is produced in the hypothalamus and released by impulses, that controls the release of the gonadotropin hormones LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone).
GnRH receptors are considered targets for the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers as they are highly expressed in different types of cancer cells.
They are expressed in 80 % and 86 % of ovarian and endometrial cancers and 50 % in prostate and breast cancers. Targeted cancer treatment is a challenge, not only for the scientific community, but also for the pharmaceutical industry.
The goal is to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy with better efficacy. The use of a GnRH peptide analogues linked to cytostatic / cytotoxic agents may be a successful approach to the development of targeted therapy by reducing the serious side effects of cytotoxic drugs.
The development of the proposed improved and targeted cancer treatment includes the following actions:
- (i) rational design and synthesis of product;
- (ii) in vitro evaluation and pharmacological studies (binding, endocytosis and signaling studies) using different types of cancer cells that express GnRH receptor;
- (iii) stability studies and
- (iv) in vivo evaluation of synthesised product in experimental hormone-dependent cancer animal model.
The company Excelya (formerly ZeinCRO) as well as the collaborating research teams Department of Chemistry, University of Patras (Body 2) and Medical School, University of Crete (Body 3)] have the reliability, experience, know-how, appropriate equipment and scientific competence to achieve the goal of the project, the development of a targeted treatment for hormone-dependent cancer.