A new cancer research centre established at the University of Adelaide will focus on treatment options tailored to the individual, taking into account DNA and genetic variations between people.

 

The Centre for Personalised Cancer Medicine brings together researchers with strengths in blood cancers and solid tumours, particularly breast, lung, sarcomas and melanoma.

 

Headed by Professor David Callen, the team will use tumour profiling and animal and cellular models to develop new drugs that target particular molecular changes in individual cancer patients.

 

"This centre reflects the trend towards a new, individualised approach to cancer medicine, taking into account genetic variations between people and their reaction to specific drugs," Professor Callen says.

 

"We will focus on improving the outcomes for cancer patients at all levels, from prevention through to treatment, survival, rehabilitation and palliative care, exploring novel and innovative approaches to cancer research.

 

"The big thrust at the moment is DNA sequencing. While it is still in the developmental stage, there are enormous resources being poured into this overseas and it looks like we will follow this lead in Australia."

 

The centre is already making headway in some areas, particularly in the treatment of sarcomas − rare malignant tumours which disproportionately affect young people and have a high mortality rate.

 

Dr Paul Neilsen, who oversees the Sarcoma Research Group, is collaborating with Royal Adelaide Hospital surgeon A/Prof Susan Neuhaus to trial new drugs on individual patient's tumours in a laboratory setting.

 

"Currently these patients are treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy but their outcomes are very poor and have not improved in the past decade," Dr Neilsen says.

"We have identified weak points in these tumours and are targeting them with new agents. The next step is to support pre-clinical trials in Australia."

 

For more information on the new Centre go to www.adelaide.edu.au/cpcm/