Breast Cancer Metastasis Research Group

Understanding the Metabolism of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases 

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide and the formation of colorectal cancer liver metastases is associated with high patient mortality. Colorectal cancer liver metastases can form two major types, which include encapsulated-type or replacement-type lesions. Previous studies reveal that patients with encapsulated-type colorectal cancer liver metastases exhibit higher survival rates and better therapy responses compared to CRC patients with replacement-type lesions. Data from our laboratory suggests that colorectal cancer cells that form replacement-type metastases are more bioenergetically active relative to those that form encapsulated lesions. However, the detailed metabolic programs engaged by these distinct types of CRC liver metastases remain poorly understood. My project is to define the shared and unique metabolic programs employed in replacement and encapsulated liver metastases. Furthermore, I will determine if metabolic vulnerabilities linked to distinct CRC liver metastases can be exploited for therapeutic gain.