Advancing patient care and improving outcomes

Cancer and cell biology research at Macquarie University is a multidisciplinary program that brings together talented research scientists and clinicians.

Our research teams collaborate across cutting-edge research, clinical trials, and personalised medicine, ensuring that research discoveries are translated into better treatments and support for cancer patients.

Our research spans multiple cancer types, including melanoma, lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Our research involves:

  • developing accurate tests and biomarkers that will detect cancer at an early and curable stage
  • understanding the drivers of cancer development to design and test new treatments
  • applying liquid biopsy assays (blood tests) to detect cancer, monitor treatment response and guide clinical decisions
  • tailoring patient care to ensure that every cancer patient receives the most effective treatment.

Research groups

Our research spans three core groups.

This research is focused on uncovering the contrasting impacts of antibiotic use in individuals with lung cancer and harnessing the benefits of the human microbiome in cancer care.

The aim is to improve lung cancer therapies by integrating targeted antibiotic use with standard treatments and creating microbiome-based biomarker tools for use in the clinic.

Group lead: Professor Maija Kohonen-Corish

The Precision Cancer Therapy research group investigates the genetic mechanisms and cellular programs that shape treatment response and resistance in cancer.

We are committed to developing blood-based biomarkers (liquid biopsies) that guide clinical decision-making. Our goal is to refine treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.

Group lead: Professor Helen Rizos

Our research group specialises in advanced multi-proteomic technologies (protein chemistry) to explore the biology and aetiology of cancer, with a primary focus on colorectal cancer (CRC).

We are dedicated to discovering novel protein biosignatures from blood and tissue samples, aiming to enhance early detection of CRC and pinpoint high-risk tumour recurrence in stage II CRC.

Our multidisciplinary team comprises experts from Macquarie University and esteemed collaborators from other universities and hospitals, including:

  • biochemists
  • biostatisticians
  • medical oncologists
  • pathologists
  • patient advocates
  • surgeons.

The team works together to advance cancer research and improve patient outcomes.

Group leads: