Our research is focused on the role of the immune system and how it relates and can be used to treat cancer. In the future, cancer will predominately be treated with the activation of the immune system, without chemotherapy and radiation.
We are undertaking studies on the immunology of cancer and the role of T cell subsets, NKT cells, MAIT (mucosal associated invariant T) cells and gamma-delta T cells. It is hypothesized that defects in the immune system may predispose to cancer, or allow it to progress, and that treatments that enhance immunity may improve outcomes in patients with cancer.
We are studying new proteins on the surface of cancer cells, in particular CLL and ovarian cancer – with the aim of producing antibodies against these proteins. This may lead to
novel treatments to allow the immune system to attack cancers.
This research covers Colorectal, Ovarian, Breast, Renal, Lung, Melanoma and Pancreato-Biliary cancers, as well as haematological cancers.
Group Leaders
- Professor George Kannourakis
- Dr Prashanth Prithvirajj
Scientists
- Dr. Sharon Olsen
- Brendan Toohey
- Dr Jason Kelly
- Dr Rodney Luwor
PhD Candidates
- Louis Perriman
