Clinical and Molecular Studies of the Tumour Suppressor Gene PTEN in Endometrioid Type Endometrial Cancer

This project seeks to understand the role of the PTEN tumour suppressor gene in endometrial cancer (tumours of the uterine lining), the most common gynecologic cancer in the developed world. The studies in this program span the spectrum from fruit flies to humans, as part of a synergistic partnership that will significantly enhance our understanding of the molecular genetic events involved in the development and progression of endometrial cancer. The discovery of new targets for therapy, and the ability to evaluate these in subsequent clinical trials is a significant strength of this scientific interaction, which may result in cures for patients with primary and relapse endometrial cancer and prevention of this cancer in women who are at high risk.