QU student investigates anti-cancer drugs causing cardiotoxicity

Qatar University College of Pharmacy (QU-CPH) MSc student Muna Suleiman recently defended her MSc thesis in Pharmaceutical Sciences – Pharmacology. Muna’s MSc research thesis, titled ‘The Role of p90 Ribosomal S6 Kinase and Autophagy in Sunitinib and Ponatinib-Induced Cardiotoxicity’, investigated the cardiotoxic effects associated with ponatinib and sunitinib, small molecules tyrosine kinase inhibitors, used for various types of cancer. Despite the anti-cancer effects of ponatinib and sunitinib, their use has been associated with severe cardiovascular toxicities. In her study, Muna delineated the cause of cardiotoxicity induced by these anti-cancer agents. Her study, supervised by CPH associate professor Dr Fatima Mraiche and Dr Huseyin Yalcin from the QU’s Biomedical Research Centre, was based on a joint collaborative research grant between the supervisors and CPH professor, Dr Hesham Korashy.The results of this study will provide a platform to investigate novel tools to reverse these mediators and regress the cardiotoxic effect associated with these and similar anti-cancer agents. In the long term, it is expected these results will trigger clinical studies looking at the use of these anti-cancer agents in combination of p90 ribosomal S6 kinase inhibitors and/ or autophagy inhibitors to limit cardiotoxic side effects. Muna had the opportunity to present her work internationally at the 5th Middle East Molecular Biology Congress and Exhibition in Jordan last October. “I have learned many research skills during my MSc and I hope to continue working on this important research for the community,” Muna said.CPH head of research and graduate studies Dr Mohamed Izham, congratulated Muna and her supervisory team and said, “Graduate students at the College of Pharmacy are expected to conduct quality, novel research in science and has values on the society. The research that was carried out by Muna is an example.”“Over the past three years, Muna was able to successfully complete this project that brings together laboratory and clinical work. She demonstrated great skills in the lab. Muna’s project may be the first step to identifying novel means to reversing the cardiotoxic effect of some of the superb anti-cancer drugs used for many different cancers,” Dr Mraiche added.