About
Professor Whitehall has researched the molecular basis of colorectal cancer for the past 20 years. After completing postdoctoral studies as a CJ Martin Fellow at the Kimmel Cancer Center in Philadelphia, she returned to QIMR Berghofer in 2005. She has contributed key conceptual advances to understanding the evolution of colorectal polyp subtypes to clinically relevant groups of colorectal cancers. Her research findings together with active clinical collaborations with gastroenterologists, pathologists and oncologist, have contributed to altered clinical guidelines for the management of colorectal polyps and cancers.
Area of Interest
Professor Whitehall is investigating the link between epigenetic and chronological patient age and how this contributes to differential risk of a polyp progressing to a cancer, as well as how this may be targeted for cancer prevention. A major focus of her current research program is the development of precision medicine strategies to influence therapy for advanced cancer. This involves the development of cancer models for genomic characterisation and high-throughput drug testing.