Hormone Cancer Therapeutics

Overview

The Hormone Cancer Therapeutics Research group’s work is focused on two underserved endocrine cancers for which we have identified a shared pathogenesis, with therapeutic implications.

Epithelial thyroid cancer (ETC) is the most common endocrine malignancy and usually affects younger adults. The recently released cancer statistics for Victoria (Cancer in Victoria Statistics and Trends) show a continuing rise in the incidence of ETC with a three-fold increase over the last 30 years.

Granulosa cell tumours (GCT) arise from ovarian granulosa cells (GC) and represent a specific subset of malignant ovarian tumours. GCT are unusual in that they have an unexplained propensity for late recurrence. About 80 per cent of patients with aggressive or recurrent tumours die from their disease. At present, there are no reliable methods for predicting relapse and, aside from surgery, no therapies have proven effective. It is critically important to understand molecular mechanisms which contribute to the pathogenesis of GCT and may present novel therapeutic targets.

The Hormone Cancer Therapeutics Research group has identified potential therapeutic targets that are associated with both ETC and GCT. The lab’s research aims to understand the roles of these proteins in the pathogenesis of these diseases, and the efficacy of a combination therapy as a novel strategy for both cancers.