Dalhousie researcher using viruses to learn about cancer treatment

Watch Above: A recent breakthrough by Dalhousie Medical School researchers has pinpointed how certain types of cancer develop and grow. Heide Pearson reports.

HALIFAX – A researcher at Dalhousie University’s medical school in Halifax has made a discovery she says could lead to new ways of treating different types of cancer.

Dr. Jennifer Corcoran’s research is focused on the herpes-8 virus, which she has discovered changes human cells in a way that can lead to the development of the cancer Kaposi’s carcoma — an uncommon AIDS-related cancer. The herpes-8 virus changes the shape and movement of cells in the skin and blood vessels.

Corcoran said the chances of anyone in North America having the herpes-8 virus is only about five per cent, which means the chances of having the virus and developing the cancer is highly unlikely. However, the new information will allow Corcoran and her team to apply the research to other types of cancer.

“By studying this virus we’re identifying a pathway that’s abhorrently changed in our cancer, and we believe this pathway is also abhorrently changed in other cancers,” she said.

Corcoran collaborates with Dr. Adrienne Weeks, another researcher who focuses on brain cancer — particularly the common and deadly glioblastoma multiforme. Corcoran said they are finding similarities in the pathways of both cancers, and the new research provides insight into how both cancers could possibly be treated.

“Viruses are good teachers,” Corcoran said. “They teach us about how our cells work.”

There are several students working in the new lab with Corcoran, each contributing in their own way to her research. For them, being a part of cutting-edge research and discovery is an opportunity like no other.

“It’s really a whole new area of research,” said masters student Nick Sajko. “So diving into it, especially as a research student at my level, is just really something that’s an incredible experience.”

Corcorane said her research forms the foundation and basic understanding for the next steps in cancer drug testing and finding new therapies in the future.

“Not only is this discovery applicable to Kaposi’s carcoma, but it may provide an opportunity — that will require further investigation — to target these cellular molecules, or the cellular pathways, in other forms of cancer,” she said.