RichardBeliveau.org

An important part of our research consists in characterizing the anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic potential of various molecules that occur naturally in the foods we eat every day. The goals of this research are to better understand the anti-cancer activity of these molecules and to use the results to set up an anti-cancer dietary program in order to reduce the risk of recurrence in patients in remission from cancer. To date, our work has resulted in the identification of four major classes of molecules of dietary origin with a very high anti-cancer potential: catechins in green tea [1-3], sulforaphane in broccoli [4], ellagic acid in strawberries and raspberries [5] and, more recently, anthocyanidins in blueberries [6, 7].

Brain endothelial cells form a continuous barrier which, with the help of specialized transport systems, selects the nutrients required for the brain to function properly. This blood-brain barrier (BBB) therefore plays a neuro-protective role by tightly controlling the access of substances to the brain. From the point of view of the treatment of brain tumours, however, this barrier constitutes a major obstacle in treating this type of cancer because it prevents pharmacological agents from reaching brain tissue.

One of the major difficulties encountered in treating cancer effectively is the incredible capacity of cancer cells to take control of two processes associated with the normal functioning of an organism - processes which allow them to grow and invade healthy tissue. In the first, tumours stimulate the formation of new blood vessels through the process of angiogenesis; the new vessels created through this process are required for tumour growth and for the development of metastases. Recent data also suggest that tumours use an organism's normal coagulation system to grow, which at the same time leads to a number of coagulation disorders (coagulopathies) in cancer patients. In fact, it is estimated that nearly 80% of cancer patients suffer from coagulopathies and that these disorders are responsible for a large number of cancer-related deaths. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the relationship that exists between cancer cells, angiogenesis and the coagulation system is therefore vital for cancer prevention and for the development of new therapeutic approaches to treating this disease..

It is estimated that 55,000 Canadians have brain cancer and that approximately 10,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. Although improved anti-cancer therapies have made it possible to extend the lives of many people, molecular targeting and current research models remain inadequate.