Exploring new approach for more effective treatment of aggressive brain tumours

porträtt av Anna Dimberg

Anna Dimberg, Professor of Cancer and Vascular Biology at the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology at Uppsala University. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt

Anna Dimberg is leading a project on a new antibody treatment for glioblastoma. The treatment strategy targets the blood vessels and is in an exciting phase as it approaches transition from research to commercialisation.

Anna Dimberg is among the researchers who receive emails from patients and their families, seeking hope and looking for treatment options. She works with glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumour that currently has no cure. In Sweden, it affects roughly one person a day.

“When I write back, I tell them that we are seeing promising results, but that it will take a long time before there is anything that could possibly help. Ultimately, that is why we are doing this, so that at some point I will be able to say that clinical trials for a new treatment are underway. In any case, I am now closer than I have ever been,” says Anna Dimberg.

There are many researchers at Uppsala University who are trying in various ways to find new methods for treating glioblastoma, and Anna Dimberg is pleased to be part of a field of research that is making rapid advancements. Her research group works primarily with the microenvironment and blood vessels in the tumour, and has done so for about 15 years. In their research, they have characterised how the tumour vessels are altered compared to normal vessels and discovered specific proteins produced by the vessels that play particular roles in different parts of the tumour microenvironment.

Blood vessels as targets for cancer therapy

One protein proved to be of particular interest. So, with the help of SciLifeLab’s drug development and discovery platform, Anna Dimberg's group has developed an antibody against the specific protein.

“By using specific proteins in the blood vessels as a target for treatment, we discovered that we can change the function of the vessels, which is very important in the treatment of the tumour,” says Anna Dimberg.

One problem with the blood vessels in a brain tumour is that it is difficult for drugs to penetrate in order to kill the tumour cells. The tumour cells also migrate along the vessels into the healthy brain, which means that it is not possible to completely remove the tumour through surgery.

“By changing the way blood vessels work, we can not only stop tumour cells from spreading in the brain, but also improve the chances of immune cells moving from the bloodstream into the tumour. This would increase the chances of being able to treat those affected,” says Anna Dimberg hopefully.

Promising results in the lab

The work on the new glioblastoma treatment strategy is jointly led by Anna Dimberg and former research group member Roberta Lugano, whose work is fundamental to the project.

“We have a shared ambition to take our new treatment concept to the clinics,” says Anna Dimberg.

porträtt av Roberta

Researcher Roberta Lugano, a former member of Anna Dimberg's research group, is a key contributor to the glioblastoma treatment strategy project.

Proof-of-concept funding from SciLifeLab and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation plays an important role here. This funding is specifically dedicated to developing an academic discovery into an innovation.

“Thanks to that grant, we basically have funding for all the preclinical trials we need to do before moving forward. Moreover, it is great to get the vote of confidence that the funding represents; proof that the funding bodies believe in our project,” says Anna Dimberg.

The project is going well and the results look promising. As patent applications for the innovative treatment concept have been filed both in Sweden and internationally, Anna Dimberg and Roberta Lugano are also focusing on commercial development.

From the lab to people and the market

“From a purely preclinical standpoint, it feels like we are starting to see the end and I believe we will be finished with this phase in about a year. At that point, we will need to raise money from investors so that we can proceed with clinical trials,” says Anna Dimberg.

She is aware that it is a long and costly road towards a possible new cancer therapy, while at the same time it is uncharted territory for her. But there is no denying her motivation.

“I really believe in the antibody, that our treatment strategy could make a real difference for patients, and I would like to stay involved all the way. Of course, we need to expand our team and find partners who want to do this with us, but I think being able to contribute everything we have learned from our research gives us a greater chance of success,” she says.

Support in navigating the commercialisation process in this early phase is being provided to Anna Dimberg and Roberta Lugano by UU Innovation.

“Getting help with insights into how this whole commercialisation process works and feeling that they genuinely care and want to help is invaluable. This is such a great opportunity for all researchers here at the University.”

Sara Gredemark

Proof-of-Concept-programme

Anna Dimberg’s project has financial backing from SciLifeLab and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation's Proof-of-Concept programme, which aims to develop new innovations and products.

FOLLOW UPPSALA UNIVERSITY ON

Uppsala University on Facebook
Uppsala University on Instagram
Uppsala University on Twitter
Uppsala University on Youtube
Uppsala University on Linkedin