Cancer study collaboration
The UK's Institute of Cancer Research is collaborating with scientists at AB SCIEX to standardize advanced methods of mass spectrometry-based tissue imaging.
The UK’s Institute of Cancer Research is collaborating with scientists at AB SCIEX to standardize advanced methods of mass spectrometry-based tissue imaging. ICR researchers are using the company’s mass spectrometry technology to better understand this spread of disease, known as metastasis, which is responsible for approximately 90% of cancer patient deaths.
"One of our major goals at The Institute of Cancer Research is to contribute to the development of new anti-cancer treatments”, said Janine Erler, Team Leader at the ICR. “This collaboration with AB SCIEX on mass spectrometry-based imaging will help us discover new molecules that are critical to cancer spread."
The ICR is contributing to efforts to address the progression of cancer by studying communication between cells associated with the spread of cancer, revealing molecules involved in metastasis that can be targeted with new drugs.
The collaboration enhances this research project by applying the latest in high-resolution, tissue imaging technology to investigate how aspects of the tumour micro-environment drive the spread of cancer. The cancer researchers are using mass spectrometry to conduct non-targeted discovery, looking at specific regions of the tumour, investigating proteins that are present in these regions and how they enhance metastatic progression.
The technology being used is the AB SCIEX TOF/TOF 5800 system, a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry system. Dave Hicks, vice president and general manager of the pharmaceutical and proteomics business at the company said; "We are committed to continue helping researchers of cancer and other diseases apply the power of mass spectrometry to uncover new information that could lead to major breakthroughs and new developments in drugs. Our broad range of technologies allows scientists to choose what is most appropriate for their research. With Dr Erler's team at The Institute of Cancer Research, we were able to meet their need for advanced imaging technology that is contributing to the success of their important research."
For more information about the institute visit www.icr.ac.uk and for more on the company go to www.absciex.com
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