About the Project
Immunotherapies have the potential to treat cancer mainly by educating and activating cytotoxic T cells, which are then able to recognize and eliminate the tumour cells. However, other components of the immune system, like myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) are known to counteract this pathway, leading to immunotherapy resistance.
The aim of this PhD study is to characterise the immunosuppressive microenvironment in colorectal and anal cancer, to explore the influence of current standard therapy, immunotherapy and new investigational treatment regimes. In this project, the student will perform preclinical studies using an innovative in-vitro platform with patient material and mouse models of colorectal and anal cancer. These studies will form the basis for translating the findings into a clinical trial in patients.
Research in the Ramsay lab is focused on translating laboratory research into clinical action for our patients with cancer.
Gaining an understanding of the process of transcription has highlighted opportunities to target cancer initiation, metastatic spread and therapy optimisation. We are currently engaged in four clinical trials that range from cancer vaccines, surgery optimisation and ameliorating inflammatory events that exacerbate metastatic spread. Colorectal cancer and breast cancer are the major tumour types of research activity in our group. However, we are also investigating other lower gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, specifically anal and rectal, as well as liver metastases from these anatomical sites.
https://www.petermac.org/research/labs/robert-ramsay
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne Australia
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre is Australia’s only public hospital solely dedicated to cancer, and home to the largest cancer research group in Australia. Cancer is a complex set of diseases, and modern cancer research institutes such as Peter Mac conduct research covering a diversity of topics that range from laboratory-based studies into the fundamental mechanisms of cell growth, translational studies that seek more accurate cancer diagnosis, clinical trials with novel treatments, and research aimed to improve supportive care.
All students engaged in postgraduate studies at Peter Mac are enrolled in the Comprehensive Cancer PhD (CCPhD) program, regardless of which university they are enrolled through. The program is managed by the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology (The University of Melbourne), based at Peter Mac.
Tapping into the depth and breadth of knowledge and experience offered by the ten partners of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) alliance, the University of Melbourne’s Comprehensive Cancer PhD Program provides a unique opportunity for multidisciplinary cancer-related PhD candidates to experience clinical and research activities across the alliance.
The Comprehensive Cancer PhD program builds on established conventional training for cancer research students providing a coordinated program of skills, research and career training in addition to usual PhD activities. The program is designed to complement existing PhD activities and provides opportunities to develop professional skills that will help candidates to fulfil their career ambitions.
https://www.petermac.org/education/comprehensive-cancer-phd-program
Funding Notes
All PhD students at Peter Mac must have a scholarship from The University of Melbourne or through another government, trust or philanthropic organisation. Before applying for a scholarship, you must have agreed on a project with an institute supervisor.
For further information about the university application process, see:
https://www.petermac.org/education/research-education/postgraduate-program
For further information regarding scholarships (both local and international), see:
http://research.mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships
Closing dates for applications for scholarships to commence in 2019: Round 1 -31 October 2018; Round 2 - 28 Nov 2018; Round 3 - 20 Feb 2019.