Druggable Drivers of Castration Resistance in Prostate Cancer
A Lola and John Grace Distinguished Lecture in Cancer Research
Professor Alimonti has worked in the field of prostate cancer for several years in three different countries (Italy, USA, Switzerland), acquiring significant expertise and knowledge in molecular mechanisms by which cell autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms control tumour initiation, progression and resistance to treatment. In particular, his research has focused on the role played by the tumour suppressor gene PTEN in cancer. Professor Alimonti's research has shown that while subtle reductions in PTEN levels can trigger tumorigenesis, complete inactivation of PTEN leads to senescence, a stable form of cell cycle arrest that opposes tumour development. This discovery was unexpected, as cancer cells were previously known to be immortal. From this observation, it was discovered that compounds that target senescence genes increase senescence in cancers and can therefore be used as cancer therapy, an approach called "pro-senescence" cancer therapy. Recently, by characterising the microenvironment of prostate tumours in mice and humans, A subtype of tumour-infiltrating myeloid cells was discovered, known as MDSCs, that can interfere with senescence caused by loss of PTEN or conventional chemotherapy, demonstrating that senescence in cancer can be regulated by the tumour's immune response.
In a subsequent study, Professor Alimonti demonstrated that MDSCs promote resistance to androgen deprivation therapy, a type of treatment normally used in the clinic to treat patients with metastatic prostate cancer (MPC). These findings have inspired the design of several clinical trials evaluating the role of MDSC inhibitors in mPCPs. These clinical trials are currently underway in Switzerland and other international cancer centres. Recently, his team made a key contribution to the field of gut microbiota and prostate cancer by demonstrating that bacteria can synthesise androgens from precursors, thus conferring resistance to androgen deprivation therapy.
Awards received include the Swiss Bridge Award, the J. Steiner Award for cancer research (considered the "Swiss Nobel" for cancer research), the PCF Challenge Award and the Robert Wenner Prize. A number of competitive grants have been received, including ERC Starting and Consolidation Grants. Professor Alimonti has been a member of the scientific board of various national and international scientific committees, such as the Swiss Cancer League and the La Caixa Foundation in Spain.
Professor Alimonti has worked in the field of prostate cancer for several years in three different countries (Italy, USA, Switzerland), acquiring significant expertise and knowledge in molecular mechanisms by which cell autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms control tumour initiation, progression and resistance to treatment. In particular, his research has focused on the role played by the tumour suppressor gene PTEN in cancer. Professor Alimonti's research has shown that while subtle reductions in PTEN levels can trigger tumorigenesis, complete inactivation of PTEN leads to senescence, a stable form of cell cycle arrest that opposes tumour development. This discovery was unexpected, as cancer cells were previously known to be immortal. From this observation, it was discovered that compounds that target senescence genes increase senescence in cancers and can therefore be used as cancer therapy, an approach called "pro-senescence" cancer therapy. Recently, by characterising the microenvironment of prostate tumours in mice and humans, A subtype of tumour-infiltrating myeloid cells was discovered, known as MDSCs, that can interfere with senescence caused by loss of PTEN or conventional chemotherapy, demonstrating that senescence in cancer can be regulated by the tumour's immune response.
In a subsequent study, Professor Alimonti demonstrated that MDSCs promote resistance to androgen deprivation therapy, a type of treatment normally used in the clinic to treat patients with metastatic prostate cancer (MPC). These findings have inspired the design of several clinical trials evaluating the role of MDSC inhibitors in mPCPs. These clinical trials are currently underway in Switzerland and other international cancer centres. Recently, his team made a key contribution to the field of gut microbiota and prostate cancer by demonstrating that bacteria can synthesise androgens from precursors, thus conferring resistance to androgen deprivation therapy.
Awards received include the Swiss Bridge Award, the J. Steiner Award for cancer research (considered the "Swiss Nobel" for cancer research), the PCF Challenge Award and the Robert Wenner Prize. A number of competitive grants have been received, including ERC Starting and Consolidation Grants. Professor Alimonti has been a member of the scientific board of various national and international scientific committees, such as the Swiss Cancer League and the La Caixa Foundation in Spain.
Practical information
- Informed public
- Free
- This event is internal
Organizer
- Prof. Elisa Oricchio
Contact
- Lisa Smith, ISREC Administrative Assistant