Simin Zheng Advances Glioblastoma Research with Drug Repurposing Strategy
Simin Zheng, a researcher at the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) Centre for Brain Cancer Research, recently received the Best Poster Award at the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy ECR/HDR Researcher Showcase. Her award-winning project, titled “Using Drug Repurposing to Target DNA Repair in Brain Cancer,” identifies potential new therapeutic avenues for glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive form of adult brain cancer. According to the MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research, Zheng’s work focuses on utilizing existing FDA-approved drugs capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier to enhance the efficacy of standard GBM treatments like radiotherapy and temozolomide.
Targeting DNA Repair Mechanisms in GBM
The core of Zheng’s research involves identifying drug candidates that can alter DNA damage response signaling within patient-derived GBM models. By repurposing FDA-approved medications, the study demonstrated a reduction in tumor cell growth and a heightened sensitivity to existing clinical treatments. This approach addresses a significant hurdle in oncology: the difficulty of treating GBM despite the current standard-of-care protocol of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The findings are supported by a research team including Paul Tooney, Nikola Bowden, Mike Fay, and Kelsey Maddison.
Clinical Leadership at the MHF Centre
The research environment at the MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research is bolstered by leadership with extensive clinical experience. Mike Fay, who contributes to the team’s ongoing studies, brings 25 years of experience in medical and radiation oncology. According to the Mark Hughes Foundation, Fay is a dual-trained specialist who has held clinical roles in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and the US. His background includes a PhD in the clinical translation of theranostics and a role as an inaugural recipient of the HMRI Mid-Career Research Fellowship, which is funded by the Mark Hughes Foundation.
Future Directions for Glioblastoma Treatment
While current standard treatments often face resistance, the ability to modify DNA repair signaling offers a potential strategy for improving long-term patient outcomes. The research team continues to investigate these candidates to determine their viability for future clinical trials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the blood-brain barrier in GBM treatment?
Research at the MHF Centre focuses on identifying drugs that can successfully cross this barrier to reach tumor sites.
What does “drug repurposing” mean in cancer research?
Who are the key researchers involved in this project?
The project involves Simin Zheng, Paul Tooney, Nikola Bowden, Mike Fay, and Kelsey Maddison, all associated with the MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research.
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