TUMOUR MICRO-ENVIRONMENT TREATMENT RESEARCH

Dr Roberta Mazzieri and her team at UQ’s Diamantina Institute, with funding from the Cancer Council Qld, have been working on a new approach to beat breast cancer which focuses on targeting the micro-environment around the tumour. 

Research shows that despite significant progress in existing cancer therapies many cancers are still resistant to treatment. 

“Current cancer treatments focus on treating the tumour itself. As a tumour grows and evolves it develops genetic mutations to evade treatments,” Dr Mazzieri said.

“Rather than developing new treatments targeting the tumour, our research is
focused on targeting the micro-environment around the tumour.

“We are looking at the micro-environment around the tumour because it
doesn’t accumulate mutations as quickly as tumour cells, making it a
more stable treatment target. 

“We have identified specific interactions between tumours and a sub-population of blood cells called TEMs (Tie2-expressing monocytes). Through these interactions these monocytes help the tumour grow and disseminate. 

“The goal of this research is to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients
by eliminating opportunities for the cancer to spread and reoccur later.”

MEDIA CONTACTS

Cancer Council Qld: Katie Clift  | (07) 3634 5372 | http://www.cancerqld.org.au

TRI: Louise Morland (07) 3443 7744 | 0417 679 306 | [email protected]