WASHINGTON, DC – A novel characteristic on the cell’s surface could hold the key to more effective therapies for patients with advanced colorectal cancer, according to scientists from the laboratory of Ashwani Rajput, MD, Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI). Their research will be presented at the 97^th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, April 1-5, in the Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC.*

            Colon cancer continues to be a leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world.  Most of these deaths are due to metastatic disease.  This study evaluated the impact of targeting a novel cell receptor, called RON, on the process of metastases. Researchers found that by decreasing the expression of RON in a model of colon cancer in mice that mimics the human pattern of advanced colon cancer with metastases to the liver and lungs, they were able to demonstrate a decrease in tumor growth and metastases.  These preclinical data may help develop novel molecularly-based therapies.

            Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research is the world’s oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research. Members include more than 24,000 basic, translational and clinical researchers, health care professionals, and cancer survivors and advocates in the United States and in more than 60 other countries.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment, and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email askrpci@roswellpark.org

*Editor’s Note: Abstract # 2692 “RON Tyrosine Kinase: a Potential Target for Colorectal Cancer Therapy” Embargoed until Monday, April 3, 1 pm

Exhibit Hall, Washington Convention Center, Poster Session 40: TGFß and Wnt Signaling Pathways.