Home » Research » Cancers We Research » In collaboration with medical oncologists A/Prof Helen Wheeler, Associate Professor Nick Pavlakis and Professor Stephen Clarke, our research is aimed at discovering new therapies for mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma develops in the membrane (mesothelium) that lines the lung and other organs following exposure to asbestos fibres. Despite Australia banning the use of asbestos in 2004, due to its widespread use and the long time mesothelioma takes to develop, this cancer is on the rise. Currently, there are limited treatment options for this cancer.
The number of cases of mesothelioma is steadily increasing
2 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every day
It takes 20-40 years for mesothelioma to develop after asbestos exposure
Mesothelioma Research Group Leaders: Dr Amanda Hudson and Dr Emily Colvin
Dr Hudson is a Post-doctoral Research Fellow whose research achievements have been recognised by receiving a Brain Cancer Group Fellowship. Her expertise is in molecular biology, with a major focus of her research being on investigating why brain cancer changes over time and why treatment resistance develops. Her work is contributing to identifying new treatments and treatment strategies for improving the survival and quality of life of those people living with brain cancer.
Dr Colvin is the inaugural Proud Family Fellow and a Cancer Institute NSW Early Career Fellow. She is experienced in the development of novel preclinical models of cancer and identifying potential prognostic biomarkers in cancer. Her current research interests are investigating the role of the tumour microenvironment in ovarian cancer and evaluating the effectiveness of new cancer treatments.
Projects
1. Improved treatment for mesothelioma: Can cannabinoids address this unmet need?
Dr Emily Colvin, Dr Amanda Hudson, Ms Ramya Kumar, A/Prof Viive Howell, A/Prof Jonathon Arnold, Prof Iain Macgregor, Dr Lyndsey Anderson
This project examines the anticancer effects of cannabinoids in preclinical models of mesothelioma. We are testing cannabinoids alone, in combination with full spectrum cannabis extracts, and the current standard of care anti-mesothelioma treatment (pemetrexed and cisplatin) for synergism and efficacy.
This is a collaboration between the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics at the University of Sydney; the Kolling Institute; and Royal North Shore Hospital.
