SAiGENCI researchers given a funding boost
Researchers from the South Australian immunoGENomics Cancer Institute (SAiGENCI), based at the 成人大片, have been awarded funding to further their work in prostate and pancreatic cancers.
Recipients Professor Lan Nguyen, Dr Mara Zeissig and Dr Michael Cilento have received the support from national charity Tour de Cure.
鈥淚 congratulate Professor Nguyen, Dr Zeissig and Dr Cilento for receiving this support from Tour de Cure,鈥 said SAiGENCI Director Professor Christopher Sweeney.
鈥淎ll three are leading the way in their respective areas to find new ways to predict cancer and treat it more effectively.鈥
Professor Lan Nguyen
Professor Nguyen, newly appointed Computational Systems Oncology Program Lead, will receive $50,000 to pioneer the use of advanced computer modelling in combination with Patient-Derived Explant (PDE) models to create prediction tools for personalised treatment in prostate cancer.
鈥淧rofessor Nguyen鈥檚 project addresses the biggest challenge in cancer treatment 鈥 the uniqueness of each patient鈥檚 cancer and the development of tumour resistance 鈥 by leveraging the biological accuracy of PDE and the power of predictive computer models,鈥 said Professor Sweeney.
Dr Mara Zeissig
Tumour Inflammation and Immunotherapy program Group Leader Dr Zeissig has also received $50,000 as an .
鈥淗er work tackles pancreatic cancer, the fourth highest cancer mortality in Australia,鈥 said Professor Sweeney.
鈥淎bout 90 per cent of pancreatic cancer is driven by mutations in the gene called KRAS, leading to uncontrolled tumour growth.
Dr Michael Cilento
Dr Cilento is a practising medical oncologist undertaking translational research as a PhD student, mentored by Professor Lisa Butler in the Resistance Prevention program. He has been awarded support valued at $10,000.