Targeting Cannabinoid Receptors in HER2 positive tumours.

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HER2+ breast cancer is characterised by the overexpression of the HER2 receptor tyrosine kinase. This aggressive subtype accounts for around 20% of breast cancer cases. However, despite success with targeted therapies resistance is still a concern. This is especially the case for patients with metastatic disease. Cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R) expression has been shown to be induced by HER2 expression and presents an appealing novel druggable target. This work aims to characterise the pharmacological properties and phenotypic impacts of HER2- and CB2-targeted therapies. Using 2D and 3D in vitro models with inducible CB2R expression, the metabolic and invasive characteristics of tumours after CB2R modulation will be dissected further. This is with an endpoint to test proprietary synthetic cannabinoids that aim to modulate the pro-tumorigenic actions of CB2Rs.