USD's Khosrow Rezvani Receives Grant from Colorectal Cancer Alliance Project Cure CRC
The grant will help fund Rezvani’s project, “Nanoparticle-Based Targeted Delivery and Release of Veratridine: A Novel Strategy for Suppressing mTORC2 Signaling Pathway and Mitochondrial Metabolism in Colorectal Cancer.”
The project will be done in collaboration with USD Department of Chemistry Associate Professor Grigoriy Sereda, Ph.D.; Sanford Research Center Scientist and USD Sanford School of Medicine Pediatric Chair Dr. Michelle Baack; and Sanford Health Drs. Jonathan Bleeker, Hassan Turaihi, and Douglas Lynch.
The multidisciplinary study between USD and Sanford Health will lead to safer and more efficient treatment strategies for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).
The researchers will develop a SMART nanoparticle delivery system that enables the release of a plant-based anti-cancer molecule, veratridine, at tumor sites while normal cells remain intact.
Despite considerable advances to improve CRC survival over the past few decades, challenges remain due to rapid metastatic dissemination. The increased incidence of early-onset CRC in all ethnicities has introduced another major health challenge since these patients are commonly diagnosed with the advanced form of CRC, resulting in higher mortality rates.
The Alliance is making bold strides in its mission to end colorectal cancer. Its Project Cure CRC research initiative awarded new grants, convened top scientists to spark breakthrough advancements at its Cure CRC Summit, and unveiled K-SPY, a groundbreaking multi-center platform trial for high-risk colorectal cancer cases.
Since its launch, Project Cure CRC has received 275 proposals, of which 22 have been approved totaling $10.5 million in awards. The awards provide funding for urgently needed breakthroughs and innovations in colorectal cancer care.
“Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the nation, yet it is grossly underfunded, causing a tremendous gap in the development of new treatments and therapies,” said Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “Project Cure CRC is committed to filling that gap and improving outcomes for the millions of people affected by this disease.”
About the Colorectal Cancer Alliance
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance empowers a nation of passionate and determined allies to prevent, treat, and overcome colorectal cancer in their lives and communities. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Colorectal Cancer Alliance advocates for prevention through initiatives like LEAD FROM BEHIND, magnifies support through BlueHQ, and accelerates research through Project Cure CRC. We are the largest national nonprofit dedicated to colorectal cancer, and we exist to end this disease in our lifetime. For more information, visit ColorectalCancer.org.
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