Congratulations to Dr Lisa Mielke, who has been awarded a grant totalling AU$480,000 (US$310,000) by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (CCA) Project Cure CRC initiative, the largest not-for-profit dedicated to colorectal cancer.
Research into colorectal cancer is critical, as it is the fourth most common cancer in Australia.
Whilst better treatment and diagnostic options have improved the prognosis for people living with this type of cancer, colorectal cancer is the deadliest cancer and the seventh leading cause of death overall for Australians aged 25 to 44.
With this funding, Dr Mielke, who leads the Mucosal Immunity and Cancer Laboratory, will pursue research into a powerful subset of immune cells called γδ (gamma-delta) T cells. Using advanced techniques, including tumour imaging, Dr Mielke’s team explores how these cells function within the tumour environment and whether they could open new therapeutic avenues.
Dr Mielke says: “This Colorectal Cancer Alliance funding will allow us to expand our research investigating novel immunotherapy approaches for the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer.”
Immunotherapies are a powerful type of cancer drug that boosts the body’s own immune system to attack cancer cells or removes barriers to the immune system attacking the cancer.
Dr Mielke shares what drove her to become a colorectal cancer researcher:
“My work is inspired by the complex nature of the gastrointestinal tract. There are unique populations of immune cells that reside there, and there is a huge gap in our understanding of how they function, especially when a tumour develops.
“I realised not enough work was being done to investigate how immune cells could be harnessed to defend against colorectal cancer and potentially improve the lives of many people living with cancer.”
Finding colorectal cancer treatment options that are more effective, tolerable and accessible is central to ONJCRI’s research strategy. We are excited to see where this funding will take Dr Mielke and her team!