Cancer and Clinical Research

Improving our understanding of the fundamental aspects of cell biology is specifically relevant to cancer research to gain information about the transformation of normal cellular functions into a cancerous state, and to identify specific genetic defects in cancer cells and environmental factors which cause cancers. Of specific interest is the emerging relationship between stem cell and cancer cell biology, both exceptionally strong fields in Australian research.

Given the world-renowned reputation of Australian clinical trials, the scope of cancer research themes in the EMBL Australia Scientific Program can therefore be particularly broad. Particular strengths in the Network include The University of Sydney Cancer Research Network, which fosters communication with and among members to facilitate research collaboration with an emphasis on research translation and clinical trials; and strong cancer genetics (with focus on paediatric cancers) at the Western Australian Medical Research. Additional strengths derive from databases such as Western Australian Cancer Registry which recognises the critical importance of reliable population-based cancer data in the planning of services and in the prevention and treatment of cancer. These resources facilitate the following themes that can be incorporated into the EMBL Australia Scientific Program:

• genes involved in development, aging and neoplasia;
• mechanisms of pluripotency vs. malignancy;
• alterations in chromosomes and epigenetic mechanisms;
• hormones and growth factors;
• cell-cell interactions and the extracellular matrix; and
• molecular basis of cancer progression and metastasis.