Prof David Bates

Professor David Bates

Department of Physiology
University of Bristol
Bristol

Stopping the growth and spread of cancer

Professor David Bates works at the University of Bristol investigating a molecule found in cancer cells called VEGF, which is involved in the growth of blood vessels. We know that certain drugs can block VEGF and make some tumours grow more slowly. Professor Bates' lab is investigating why these drugs work well in some patients but not in others.

Blood vessels

To grow and survive, tumours need to produce new blood vessels. These sprout from the tumour like the branches of a tree, and allow it to feed off essential nutrients from the blood. New blood vessels can also allow the tumour to spread to other parts of the body.

VEGF is one of the major molecules involved in the growth of new blood vessels, and so it can help tumours to grow. A new drug called bevacizumab (also known as Avastin®) blocks the action of VEGF, and can be used to treat bowel cancer, but unfortunately it is not an effective treatment for most patients.

In 2002 a new form of VEGF was discovered in Professor Bates' lab. This new form is found in normal cells and blocks blood vessel growth, meaning it may be useful as a treatment for cancer.

Improving treatments

Professor Bates and his team are investigating the effects of both forms of VEGF on tumour growth and treatment. They aim to find out if the levels of the different forms of VEGF in a tumour determine how well it will respond to treatment with Avastin®, and whether the new form can be used to treat cancer.

Professor Bates is also finding out whether changing the levels of the different forms of VEGF in a tumour could help to prevent or reduce the spread of cancer. His research will help to target treatments like Avastin® to the patients that will benefit most from them, and could also lead to new treatments in the future.

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