Download Undergraduate Medical Student Research Programs Research Abstract Proposal

Undergraduate Medical Student Research Programs
Research Abstract Proposal
Proposed ResearchTitle:
Program
BScMed
Date: 9/8/15
The art of preventing broken hearts in colorectal and renal cell cancer
Proposed Research - Abstract (250 word maximum)
Colorectal and renal cell cancer are major public health concerns in Canada. An increased understanding
of the biology of cancer has allowed for the development of new and effective therapies which utilize
various pathways to suppress tumor growth. Two types of targeted therapy currently in use include
monoclonal antibodies (Bevacizumab; BVZ) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (Sunitinib; SNT). An unexpected
consequence of the use of these two anti-cancer drugs, however, is the development of cardiotoxicity in
nearly 25% of colorectal (CRC) and renal cell cancer (RCC) patients.
In the emerging field of Cardio-Oncology, specialized collaborative efforts amongst Cardiologists and
Oncologists are developing in multiple academic centers across Canada, including the University of
Manitoba, to address the cardiotoxic side effects of anti-cancer drugs. Serial monitoring of left ventricular
ejection fraction (LVEF) using noninvasive cardiac imaging is the single most important clinical diagnostic
tool in the recognition of cardiac dysfunction in cancer patients. Once symptomatic heart failure develops
in the setting of a reduced LVEF, however, irreversible cardiac injury may have potentially occurred in this
cancer population.
Although novel cardiac imaging techniques including tissue velocity and strain imaging using
echocardiography are able to detect early evidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction due to
anti-cancer drugs, the more important clinical question is whether the prophylactic administration of
cardioprotective agents can prevent cardiac injury from developing at the onset. Currently, there are no
known therapies approved for the prevention of cardiotoxicity in the CRC and RCC populations.
This innovative research proposal will be the first study of its kind to explore whether the prophylactic
administration of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) antagonists can prevent BVZ and/or SNT mediated
cardiotoxicity in a murine model.
Please include a brief description of the student's role
The BSc Med student will be exposed to animal models of chemotherapy mediated cardiotoxicity,
acquisition and analysis of murine echocardiograms, histological analysis using light and electron
microscopy, protein studies, and statistical analysis.
Contact Information:
Name:
Dr. Davinder S. Jassal MD, FACC, FRCPC
Address: Y3531-Bergen Cardiac Care Centre, St. Boniface General Hospital
Phone:
204-237-2023
Email:
[email protected]
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