Overview
Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.
We hypothesize that genomically characterized patient derived primary xenografts will be useful to identify biomarkers of sensitivity and resistance to emerging molecular targeted agents.
In endometrial cancer there is a clinically unmet need to develop new model systems, as there are only 18 cell lines and no primary xenografts publically available. Our laboratory has collaborations in place with multiple gynecological surgeons across Brisbane whereby we plan to take small fragments of fresh tissue and engraft them into immunocompromised mice.
Following establishment and serial passaging of a small panel of primary patient derived xenografts, phenotypic and genomic analyses will be performed on both the established xenograft as well as the frozen tumour from which it was derived including expression, copy number variation and targeted resequencing of druggable molecular targets.
The final aim of this project involves validating one or more novel agents in a panel of 6-8 genomically characterised xenografts. These may include anti-FGFR agents, anti-angiogenic agents, or combination therapy with agents targeting both the MAPK and PI3K pathway. As these primary patient xenografts will be unique, this preclinical research will offer novel insights into biomarkers that may predict response or resistance to new classes of molecularly targeted agents.
Project funded by Wesley Research Institute.
- Study level
- PhD, Honours
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Contact
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Please contact the supervisors.
Dr Pamela Pollock
Professor Judith Clements
