Study of the tyrosine kinase receptor RON as a potential therapeutic target in mesothelioma

SUMMARY OF THE RESEARCH PROJECT
FUNDED BY THE BUZZI UNICEM FOUNDATION

PROJECT LEADER:
Dr. S. Gray

SITE:
Trinity College, Dublin

PROJECT STATUS:
Completed

RESEARCH SUMMARY:
The purpose of this project is to validate and study the RON/MSP receptors implicated in malignant pleural mesothelioma. The objective of this study is to determine whether they can be considered as biomarkers of mesothelioma and if they have value as prognostic and predictive factors. This means evaluating whether the presence of the receptors may lead to a more or less positive prognosis and establish a priori a response or resistance to a particular treatment. The results from this analysis have in fact shown that a high expression of RON appears to be associated with a better prognosis. More specifically, preliminary results from this research indicate that the mesothelioma cells also use the interaction between RON and its MSP ligand to proliferate, and that a high expression of RON/MST1R appears to be strictly associated with better survival. In addition, various other studies have been initiated to determine whether the RON receptor could be considered a therapeutic target, investigating the use of monoclonal antibodies, peptides, chemical agents and siRNA. The purpose of this research also includes the investigational use of drugs specifically designed to inhibit the RON/MST1R receptor, and which are already being clinically investigated in other neoplasms.

UPDATE (JANUARY 2011)
The research from this project has led to numerous scientific presentations at various congresses and conferences: 

ASCO 2010 - ASCO Abstract #52934 - 2010
ASCO Annual Meeting (June 4-8, 2010)
IMIG2010 - Abstract No.: 10191/Poster No P04-1 – Kyoto Japan (August 31-Sept 3, 2010)
BTOG2011 – Abstract No: 52 • ASCO Abstract #80106 • IASLC World Lung Cancer Conference Publication of the data obtained has also led to a number of awards such as:
IMIG2010 – Travel Award • BTOG2011 – Poster Runner Up Prize