Predicting the development of oral cancer

Human head and neck cancer is a devastating disease with poor survival rates. Oral cancer (OC) is the most common type of head and neck cancer affecting the oral cavity where it is driven by the continuous exposure to risk factors including tobacco use, alcohol abuse, infection with high-risk human papilloma viruses (HPV) and genetic pre-disposition. Over the last thirty years, improvements in survival rates of oral cancer patients have remained modest, hampered by the late diagnosis of the disease. In this project, we will use mouse models of OC that mirror the human malignancy to identify initial molecular changes that predict cancer development. We expect that analysing the tissue integrity in these models of the OC risk factors will provide a window for disease initiation. Discoveries in these models will lead to identification of biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease progression in OC patients. A wide range of skills will be taught including biochemistry, molecular biology, cell culture and knockout mice. This is an ideal project for a student who wishes to pursue higher studies in cancer research.

Skills to be taught include biochemistry, molecular biology, cell culture and knockout mice. This is an ideal project for a student who wishes to pursue higher studies in cancer research.Key Words: Cancer, Treatment, Head and Neck Cancer, Inflammation, Signalling Pathways, Skin.

The Darido lab investigates human head and neck cancer - a devastating disease with poor survival rates. The molecular heterogeneity of the disease and the lack of laboratory models have hindered the development of improved treatment modalities for heterogeneous head and neck cancer patients. We have recently discovered the genetic defects that trigger head and neck cancer development. These defects are also evident in subsets of human cancers. We are currently exploring novel treatment strategies aimed at targeting the genetic defects, and we expect that our findings will lead to new personalised therapies for head and neck cancer patients that are likely to improve their outcomes.
https://www.petermac.org/research/labs/charbel-darido

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne 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.
https://www.petermac.org/education/research-education

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.

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