Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories
Staff and students of the Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories
The Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories (DRMCRL) of the Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, are directed by Professor Wayne Tilley (Deputy Director Dr Lisa Butler). The DRMCRL host an internationally recognised Breast and Prostate Research Program, which currently involves 25 Researchers including senior scientists, clinical affiliates, postdoctoral fellows, research assistants and students. The Program is focussed on hormones and other factors involved in ageing and cancer. Specifically research is being undertaken that investigates how androgens and estrogens influence the development and progression of breast and prostate cancers. In addition, the group is
- investigating genetic, hormonal and environmental factors involved in the development of solid tumours
- investigating genetic markers which improve the prognosis of disease which in turn informs the development of more efficacious patient-specific clinical treatment strategies
- examining the mechanisms of resistance to hormonal treatments
- developing novel treatment strategies to increase their efficacy but reduce side effects
This group has unique expertise, spanning almost 30 years, in the study of androgen receptor structure and function, as well as identifying its role in breast cancer, prostate cancer and in ovarian cancer. Through this work, the group has built prostate and breast tissue banks and established unique experimental models essential for driving the research programs forward to more quickly translate findings into clinical practice. The DRMCRL has state of the art molecular and cellular biology facilities and technical expertise as well as access to a wide range of core facilities, including those for gene sequencing, proteomics, advanced microscopy and image analysis, and laser capture.
