In 2021, Sacituzumab Govitecan received accelerated approval by the FDA as a treatment for patients with unresectable metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, over half of all patients receiving this treatment still report significant side effects. The University of Otago team have been investigating new ways to reduce side effects with targeted chemotherapy, carrying drugs in an inactive form (prodrug) and then selectively releasing the active drug at the tumour site. In this study, a modified Sacituzumab will be used to transport small chemical activators to TNBC tumour cells. This is followed by delivery of a prodrug that will be selectively released at the tumour by the activators, leading to targeted killing of the TNBC cells. This will further build New Zealand’s capacity in breast cancer-targeted prodrugs, in this instance reducing side effects associated with Sacituzumab Govitecan.

Associate Professor Allan Gamble, Professor Parry Guilford and Professor Sarah Hook
HOST INVESTIGATOR: University of Otago