Top researchers meet to make cancer history

World-leading cancer experts will discuss the shifting approach towards diagnosing and treating cancers, such as childhood cancer, and the key challenges in the battle against the disease at the University of Adelaide’s Making Cancer History event.

The panel discussion will feature three renowned cancer researchers, including US-based Professor Charles Mullighan, Deputy Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center of St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.

Professor Mullighan will outline his research into potential treatments for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a type of cancer that affects blood and bone marrow.

“Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is the most common type of cancer in children. My goal is to find a cure for all patients who suffer from this terrible, aggressive disease,” said Professor Mullighan.

“My team is currently investigating if we can use new chemical biology approaches to target parts of the cancer that were previously thought to be resistant to drugs so we can effectively kill it before it spreads.”

Professor Jane Visvader is the Joint Head of the Breast Cancer Laboratory and the Division of Cancer Biology and Stem Cells at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne.

Professor Visvader will explain her research into breast cancer and understanding which cells are more at risk of developing cancerous tumours.

“Understanding stem cells and their progeny is critical to gaining insight into the different types of breast cancer. If we can identify the cancer-initiating cells, then we may be able to develop potential therapies to prevent or delay the development of breast cancer, particularly in patients who carry genetic mutations that make them more susceptible” said Professor Visvader.

"We’re currently working on clinical trials for new therapies and hope to make more cancer history within the next five years at University of Adelaide."The University of Adelaide’s Professor Christopher Sweeney, Director of the South Australian Immunogenomics Cancer Institute (SAiGENCI)

The University of Adelaide’s Professor Christopher Sweeney, who is the Director of the South Australian Immunogenomics Cancer Institute (SAiGENCI), will discuss prostate cancer advancements over the past two decades and potential treatments for the future.

“3,500 men in Australia die from prostate cancer each year and the numbers aren’t reducing. We need to find new ways to treat this cancer, prevent relapses after treatment and increase life expectancy for patients,” said Professor Sweeney.

“A non-chemotherapy approach could be the answer. We’re currently working on clinical trials for new therapies and hope to make more cancer history within the next five years at University of Adelaide.”

The three speakers are all University of Adelaide alumni.

This popular event is open to the public and audience members will have the chance to ask the experts questions about cancer following the presentations.

Make History Speaker Series: Making Cancer History

When: Thursday 14 September 2023, 5:30pm-7pm

Where: The University of Adelaide – The Braggs Lecture Theatre, North Terrace campus

Cost: Free

Registration: Eventbrite – search ‘Making Cancer History’