Research Projects

Colorectal cancer" (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world, and its burden is expected to increase by 60% to more than 2.2 million new cases and 1.1 million cancer deaths by 2030. Despite advances in cancer therapy employing chemo, immuno and radiotherapy, nonsignificant reduction in mortality and relapse rate have remained a major challenge. Very recently, a promising approach of chemo-immunotherapy is being explored wherein the potential synergism of two gating strategies can be harnessed to achieve a much robust therapeutic response. Objectives: The main objective of our study is to elucidate the role of indigenously synthesized novel toll like receptor (TLR)7 / 8 agonists in combination with traditional chemotherapeutic agents in in-vitro and in-vivo models of colorectal cancer along-with biochemical, molecular, genetic and histopathological biomarkers elucidation. Methodology: The novel moieties will be screened in vitro employing peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs) for cytokine secretion, viability assays, apoptosis and in-vivo employing DMH-induced colorectal cancer in rats substantiated by histopathology, immunofluorescence, cytokines estimation and IHC studies. Expected Outcome: The findings will substantiate the role of TLR-7 and 8 as novel targets for chemo-immunotherapy. The studies will also reveal preclinical potential of few important lead compounds with agonistic activity for TLR-7 and 8. These compounds can be further translated in to the clinics.