Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-associated death in the world. We aim to understand why some CRC patients stop responding to EGFR therapy. In particular, we will study small molecules called cytokines that are produced by the tumour microenvironment and determine if the inhibition of these cytokines can over-come the acquired resistance to therapy. Our goal is to identify new ways to improve the current treatment options for CRC patients.
Toll-like Receptor 2 Signalling As A Potential Therapeutic Target In Gastric Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$323,091.00
Summary
Stomach cancer is the fourth most deadly cancer in the world. Stomach cancer is closely linked with inflammation, and we have shown that a key inflammatory molecule, called toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), can drive the development of stomach cancer. However, this occurs in a non-inflammatory manner. My research aims to understand how TLR2 is involved in the progression of stomach cancer, with the ultimate goal to find an early biomarker of disease, and to develop better therapies.
Identification Of Interleukin-6 Trans-signalling As A Novel Target For Therapeutic Approaches To Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$627,089.00
Summary
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been implicated as a causative factor in lung cancer, the most lethal cancer worldwide, albeit by unknown mechanisms. Since IL-6 is also important for immune system homeostasis, the development of anti-IL-6 therapies requires an intimate knowledge of pathological versus physiological IL-6 signalling pathways. This project aims for the first time to define an alternative IL-6 signalling pathway, termed “trans signalling”, in the molecular pathogenesis of lung cancer.
The Molecular Basis By Which IL-6 Family Cytokines And Pathogen Recognition Receptors Promote Inflammation-associated Stomach And Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,010.00
Summary
Lung and stomach cancer are the 2 most lethal cancers world-wide, and represent a growing number of cancers associated with chronic inflammation. However, the genes which trigger inflammation and then promote cancer in certain people remain largely unknown. Using mouse models for these inflammation-associated cancers, together with clinical specimens, our aim is to identify specific genes of the immune system which trigger chronic inflammatory responses that lead to cancer.