Home  >  Research  >  Labs  >  Cancer Program  >  CANCER MICROENVIRONMENT

RESEARCH OVERVIEW

We are interested in the cancer microenvironment or tumour stroma which consists of various cell types, including immune cells and blood vessels, and supports cancer growth. Our research program aims to understand how stromal cells are remodelled, and the extent to which stromal networks regulate cancer progression. We have shown that the tumour microenvironment is highly dynamic and can be re-programmed or remodelled to enhance immune cell uptake and overall response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, we have developed precision tools to specifically target abnormal stromal features to disrupt and re-program signalling networks between multiple stromal components and to break the vicious cycle of disease progression and relapse.

Utilising a suite of preclinical cancer models which includes genetically modified mouse models of pancreatic cancers, orthotopic cancer models of breast, lung, brain and melanoma, and human cancer specimens our goal is to develop new drugs that can increase the survival rate and quality of life of cancer patients.

Professor Ruth Ganss

Professor Ruth Ganss

Cancer Microenvironment

Read more

LATEST NEWS

1000 Walkers take to the Streets for Women’s Cancer Research

More than 1000 Walkers hit the pavement this morning for the New Town Toyota Walk for Women’s Cancer, taking place at Riley Oval at UWA Crawley. The Walk benefits women’s cancer research at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and is an opportunity to take meaningful steps toward a…

Read More

The Perkins reaches major milestone in delivery of a Comprehensive Cancer Centre for WA

The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research (the Perkins) is pleased to advise that we have now reached a very significant milestone in progressing the development of the Perkins WA Comprehensive Cancer Centre for Western Australia. The Perkins has received a letter from the WA Health Minister, who on behalf…

Read More

Researchers discover blood markers that could predict mesothelioma treatment success

A groundbreaking study by researchers at the National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD), The Kids Research Institute and the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research (the Perkins) has identified blood markers that could help predict how well mesothelioma patients respond to treatment. This discovery could transform how treatment decisions…

Read More