Centre for Cancer Research scientists are at the forefront of cancer research discovery, innovation, and translation into cancer treatment. Their focus is on accelerating the next generation of personalised therapies for adult and paediatric cancers using a comprehensive approach including functional genomics and big data.
Centre Head Professor Ron Firestein
Overview
Scientists working in the Centre undertake basic research into the molecular mechanisms underlying the development, growth and metastasis of tumours, as well as the relationship between the innate immune system and cancer. The discovery and development of novel therapies for the treatment of cancers is also an important aspect of the team’s work.
Current key areas of interest include
- Links between innate immunity, inflammatory processes and cancer‒ Role of embryonic signalling pathways in cancer, and the targeting of these pathways with novel therapies
- Cell signalling pathways involved in tumour survival and growth, and the development of monoclonal antibodies to treat glioma and other cancers
- Role of integrin-linked kinase in cell migration and oncogenesis
- Molecular pathways involved in the metastasis of tumours, including colorectal, ovarian, prostate and bladder cancers
- Role of peptidase activity on inflammatory signalling and tumour microenvironment in ovarian cancer
- Role of the microenvironment in tumour progression, chemoresistance and metastasis
- Cancer precision medicine, including childhood brain cancer and solid tumours
Diseases we research
Research groups
Discover more about the Centre
Sarcoma Program
Improving survival rates and treatments for childhood, adolescent and young adult (AYA) sarcomas.
