Centre for Cancer Research

Centre Head

• Associate Professor Ron Firestein

Scientists working in the Centre undertake basic research into the molecular mechanisms underlying the development, growth and metastasis of tumours, as well as the relationship between the innate immune system and cancer. The discovery and development of novel therapies for the treatment of cancers is also an important aspect of the team’s work.

Current key areas of interest include

• Links between innate immunity, inflammatory processes and cancer‒ Role of embryonic signalling pathways in cancer, and the targeting of these pathways with novel therapies
• Cell signalling pathways involved in tumour survival and growth, and the development of monoclonal antibodies to treat glioma and other cancers
• Role of integrin-linked kinase in cell migration and oncogenesis
• Molecular pathways involved in the metastasis of tumours, including colorectal, ovarian, prostate and bladder cancers
• Role of steroid hormones and nuclear receptors in breast cancer development and progression
• Role of peptidase activity on inflammatory signalling and tumour microenvironment in ovarian cancer
• Molecular links between obesity, oestrogens and cancer, and therapies aimed at breaking the linkage
• Role of the microenvironment in tumour progression, chemoresistance and metastasis
• Cancer precision medicine, including childhood brain cancer and solid tumours

Student Research Projects at Centre for Cancer Research