Epigenetic Therapy

We have found that a group of enzymes called histone deacetylases (HDACs) are required for colon cancer cell growth. We have also found that drugs which block these enzymes induce the differentiation and death of colon cancer cells. We are currently working on ways to further improve the anti-tumour activity of these drugs by combining them with existing therapies, in order to develop a new treatment for colon cancer patients.

Differentiation Therapy

Our laboratory also investigates the transcriptional mechanisms by which cellular and tissue differentiation is disturbed during colorectal tumorigenesis. We have identified a number of key transcription factors which are deregulated during this process, and we are using this information to investigate ways differentiation can be reprogrammed in tumour cells.

Discovery of biomarkers to targeted therapies

Through access to clinical trial samples provided by our long-term collaborator A/Prof Niall Tebbutt, our laboratory has a translational research program aimed at discovering the biomarkers predictive response to targeted therapies in gastrointestinal cancers. Agents we are investigating include anti-angiogenic therapeutics (avastin), EGFR inhibitors (cetuximab), BRAF inhibitors and mTOR inhibitors, in the treatment of colorectal cancer, gastric cancer and cholangiocarcinoma.