Duocarmycin prodrugs to treat breast cancer: single-agent and combination therapy efficacy in 2D and 3D cancer models

The purpose of this study is to understand if cytochrome P450 enzymes frequently expressed in breast cancer patients can be utilised as targets for selective bioactivation of duocarmycin bioprecursors. Specifically, the project seeks to determine the efficacy of duocarmycins as single-agents or in combination with radiotherapy. 2D and 3D breast cancer models will be analysed for CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 expression and new duocarmycin bioprecursors will be assessed for capacity to destroy breast cancer cells. Additionally, duocarmycins will be evaluated with radiotherapy or precision medicine to understand if such combination treatment will increase the effectiveness of currently used treatment modalities.