Research Projects
Deciphering the Molecular Mosaic of NF2: Understanding Multifaceted Tumour Development
Discovery Theme: Tumour Microenvironment
Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) is a rare genetic disorder that significantly impacts individuals by causing the development of various tumours within the nervous system, leading to substantial health challenges. This project aims to address these challenges, by exploring the intricate molecular and microenvironment changes associated with NF2 and its diverse tumour manifestations. The primary objective of this project is to decipher the genetic, epigenetic, and cellular alterations responsible for the formation and progression in patients with NF2 who develop multiple tumour types.
This is the first time such a multi-omic approach has been applied.
The potential impact of this research is substantial. By uncovering the molecular and microenvironment changes in NF2 patients, this project can contribute to the development of novel, or repurposed targeted therapies, uncover early diagnostic markers leading to more personalised care plans and ultimately improving the management and quality of life for people with NF2.
Champions
Medical Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Laboratory Head, WEHI
Co-Head Research Strategy, The Brain Cancer Centre
Jim is a medical oncologist specialising in neuro-oncology at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. He completed his PhD and was awarded the “Professor Lynn Corcoran PhD Prize” for his research understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for resistance to cell death in breast cancer. This work has provided the foundation for testing novel compounds in early phase clinical trials, together with industry collaboration.
In 2020, Jim commenced working remotely with the Ligon laboratory, Dana Faber Cancer Institute, with a focus on uncovering resistance mechanisms to glioma. Jim is passionate about improving supportive care for patients and carers with brain cancer. Together with Prof Kate Drummond, he co-leads an MRFF funded program to develop an online supportive care platform.
Dr Whittle & Prof Drummond have recently launched a world-first clinical trial Brain POP, funded through The BCC, which will enable doctors to precisely see the effect of a new drug therapy on a patient’s brain cancer for the first time.
Related research projects:
Related videos:
Dr Jim Whittle
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre & WEHI
Director of Neurosurgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital
Professor Kate Drummond, AM, MD, FRACS is Director of Neurosurgery at The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Head of CNS Tumours at the VCCC Parkville Precinct. Her research and clinical interests are in the biology and management of brain tumours, with special interests in advanced surgical techniques such as awake craniotomy, quality of life and blood and imaging biomarkers.
She has published over 190 peer-reviewed papers and many book chapters and has received more than $35 million in research funding. Her h-index is 43. She is Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Clinical Neuroscience and on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Neurosurgery. She has served as Chief Examiner in Neurosurgery, Chair of the Women in Surgery Committee and on the Neurosurgery Surgical Education and Training Board for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, being awarded the RACS medal for these services. She is the President of the Asian Australasian Society of Neurosurgeons.
She is a strong advocate for and has written and presented widely on diversity in neurosurgery. She is Chair of Pangea Global Health Education, a for-impact organisation specialising in health education in low resource settings. In 2019 she was awarded Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to medicine, particularly in neuro-oncology and community health.
Related research projects:
- BRAIN POP
- BRAIN Registry
- Dangerous Networking: Brain cancers and the brain
- Deciphering the Molecular Mosaic of NF2
- A novel liquid biopsy for monitoring and chemoresistance detection in brain cancer
Related videos:
Professor Kate Drummond AM
The Royal Melbourne Hospital