The characterisation of neutrophil function in patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection and the impact of HMG-COA reductase inhibitors on host inflammation

Richardson, Jonathan James Robert (2019). The characterisation of neutrophil function in patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection and the impact of HMG-COA reductase inhibitors on host inflammation. University of Birmingham. M.D.

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Abstract

Cancer-associated inflammation, both in the systemic circulation and in the tumour microenvironment, is widely recognised to influence disease progression and survival. Surgical resection is fundamental in achieving cure in patients with colorectal cancer. The generation and maintenance of a systemic inflammatory response, with subsequent compromise of the anti-tumour immune response, has been associated with poor outcome. Neutrophils may facilitate metastatic progression in the context of systemic inflammation and therefore implementing a therapeutic strategy in the peri-operative period to reduce the systemic inflammation associated with surgery may be beneficial, particularly therapeutic strategies aimed at modifying tumour-neutrophil interactions.
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (statins) were developed as lipid-lowering agents. In addition, they have been implicated in the modulation of the immune system and have demonstrable anti-inflammatory effects. It has been proposed that they could be utilised in the peri-operative period to modulate the systemic inflammatory response and to preserve the anti-tumour immune competency of the host.
This study was conducted to serially characterise neutrophil function in patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection over the peri-operative period and to explore the impact of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors on neutrophil function.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > M.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > M.D.

Supervisor(s):