July 2018Dr. Norman Marcon, MD, FRCP, Professor of Medicine in University
of Toronto, Chief of Gastroenterology for St. Michael's Hospital,
Toronto, Ontario stated, "This research was inspired by Theralase's
research into the role of the human glycoprotein Transferrin ("Tf") and
its associated cellular membrane Transferrin Receptor ("TfR") CD71,
that according to previous Theralase research is responsible for the
targeted uptake of Theralase's lead PDC, TLD-1433, by cancer cells. The
aim of our research was to characterize CD71 expression in human
samples of esophageal carcinomas and their precursor lesions.
Remarkably, moderate to strong CD71 staining was seen almost
universally (97.2%) in both SCC and adenocarcinoma. There was a
significantly stronger expression of CD71 in HGD and carcinomas versus
LGD and normal squamous mucosa tissues (p (0.02). This research is
exciting as we now have a way to distinguish between LGD and HGD
lesions. Moreover, CD71 is an important target for Rutherrin(R)
(TLD-1433 combined with transferrin) and hence the development of an
effective, targeted and highly personalised PDT destruction of HGD
precursor lesions and cancers of the esophagus. This
latest research was presented and well received at the annual
Canadian Academy of Pathology Meeting held in Quebec City, Quebec,
Canada from July 7 to 10, 2018. Our therapeutic endoscopy group is
looking forward to continuing our research with Theralase to clinically
evaluate this technology in a Phase Ib clinical study aimed at the
destruction of esophageal cancer."