Cytochromes P450 activated prodrugs

Cytochrome P450 enzymes, frequently expressed in cancer cells, can be utilised as targets for selective bioactivation of duocarmycin bioprecursors. Ongoing projects are focused on prodrug development (funded by a £1.5m Yorkshire Cancer Research programme) and combinations with radiotherapy in breast cancer (funded by Breast Cancer Now)

Specifically, the project seeks to determine the efficacy of duocarmycins as single-agents or in combination with radiotherapy. 2D and 3D breast cancer models will be analysed for CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 expression and new duocarmycin bioprecursors will be assessed for capacity to destroy breast cancer cells. Find out more on Klaus Pors' staff profile.