Research Focus
The Translational Oncology Discovery Group is particularly interested in engineering novel antibody-based cancer therapies that can directly target certain tumour cells and, simultaneously, also targets key immune cell proteins, therefore combining two cancer therapy approaches in one drug. . We are validating these drug candidates using genetically-engineered mouse models of cancer along with state-of-the art flow cytometry, transcriptomics analysis and other tissue imaging platforms. Importantly, our approach to cancer drug development is informed by the “reverse translational research” paradigm. This means that we utilise cutting-edge translational experiments using patient-derived materials from on-going cancer clinical trials to help understand mechanisms and design the next generation of cancer therapies. Currently, we are engaged in clinical trial activities that include experimental treatments for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer and breast cancer.
Gallery
Research Projects
Current Research Projects
Defining the immunosuppressive effects of RANKL/RANK pathway in tumor control
Development of new bi-functional antibodies for the treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma (HNSCC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC)
Enhancing the efficacy of conventional cancer immunotherapies
Funding
• National Health and Medical Research Council (Development Grant) • EpimAb Biotherapeutics • QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
Further Information
• Dr Brett Hughes, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital/Prince Charles Hospital • Dr Martin Batstone, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital • Professor Geoff Lindeman, WEHI • Professor Jane Visvader, WEHI • Liz Ahern, Monash University • Christopher Mueller, University of Strasbourg, France