A research team at Vancouver Island University, led by chemistry professor Kyle Duncan, is investigating the reasons behind the resistance of certain cancer tumors to immunotherapy treatments. This project aims to enhance treatment efficacy for patients battling cancer.
Launched in 2023, the initiative is supported by grants from the Terry Fox Research Institute and the Michael Smith Health Research B.C. scholar program, among other funding sources. “Immunotherapies represent a promising avenue for treatment, yet solid tumors often exhibit resistance,” Duncan noted. “These therapies work by activating the body”s immune response to target and destroy tumors, but their effectiveness varies among individuals.”
The research focuses on cancers that are typically under-diagnosed and challenging to manage with standard therapies, including pancreatic, ovarian, and pediatric bone cancers. Duncan”s team is tasked with analyzing tumor samples to create a molecular map of cancer metabolism, which will then inform the teams administering the immunotherapies.
The project seeks to merge fields of chemistry, biology, and engineering by developing custom instrumentation that accurately maps molecular interactions within the tumor tissue. Traditional methods would often involve homogenizing tumor samples, losing critical contextual information about the spatial distribution and interactions of molecules.
To overcome these limitations, Duncan”s team employs innovative technology to slice tissue samples into ultra-thin layers and utilize advanced mass spectrometry techniques. “We construct custom tools in-house through a blend of 3D printing and bespoke manufacturing,” he explained. “All software controlling this hardware is also developed internally, allowing us to tailor our experimental platform to specific inquiries.”
The method involves creating a continuous liquid bridge using fine glass capillaries, allowing the researchers to extract molecules from the tissue without losing their contextual significance. This approach provides a detailed molecular “fingerprint” from the tumor surface, facilitating a deeper understanding of how cancer cells interact with their environment.
Once the mapping is complete, the findings are shared with collaborating teams, fostering an ongoing dialogue about the contextual distribution of molecules and the tumor microenvironments that hinder immune cell activity. “The grant”s purpose is to elucidate the molecular landscape of tumors and identify environments that impede immune function,” Duncan remarked.
Looking ahead, Duncan expressed a desire to automate the mapping process, which currently requires a team member to operate the machinery for extensive periods. “Our goal is to simplify the process, enabling us to load the tissue sample and initiate the imaging with a single command,” he stated. “However, we face technical challenges that can impact the accuracy of our imaging.” Once the research concludes, all data and designs created during the project will be publicly accessible, providing valuable resources for the scientific community. For more information, visit Duncan”s website at http://wordpress.viu.ca/duncan.
