In the Translational Oncology Laboratory, we are developing innovative new therapies for cancers including pancreatic and lung cancer, as well as novel approaches to better guide the use of existing therapies. We have a clear focus on the translation of our research to the clinic, enabling our discoveries to contribute to better patient outcomes as soon as possible. Much of our research is collaborative, working in close association with the Cancer Clinical Trials Unit at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, and partnering with other clinical sites, research laboratories and industry partners around Australia and internationally.
There are two major research streams within the program: one focussed on T cell-based cancer immunotherapies, and the other on antibody-targeted diagnostics and therapeutics.
This team uses functionalised monoclonal antibodies, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and antibodies labelled with radioactive isotopes, to target tumour cells for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.
Researchers in this team focus on novel therapies that enhance a cancer patient’s immune system, to enable the patient’s own T cells to attack their cancer. Please refer to the Cancer Immunotherapy Group page for more detail.
First-line therapy for lung cancer typically involves cytotoxic chemotherapy, which is DNA-damaging and causes cancer cell death. We have preclinical proof of concept for a novel method of detecting cancer cell death using the APOMAB® monoclonal antibody that is specific for the essential La ribonucleoprotein overexpressed in malignancy.
We are currently investigating the following applications of APOMAB®:
Ali Nazarizadeh
Abbey Marshall