Project Title
Preclinical testing of a novel targeted therapy for treatment-emergent anaplastic forms of castration-resistant prostate cancer
Supervisory Team
Professor Colleen Nelson
Associate Supervisor: Dr Brett Hollier
Associate Supervisor: Dr Jennifer Gunter
Project Description
My PhD project is to evaluate the expression of the Facilitates Chromatin Transcription (FACT) complex (therapeutic target) and explore the efficacy of CBL0137 (small molecule) as monotherapy and in combination with standard chemotherapeutic (cisplatin) in preclinical patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models towards FACT protein of anaplastic neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC).
The aims of the project are obtaining through PDX models characterisations in consequence of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positron emission tomography (PET)/ computed tomography (CT) [PSMA-PET/CT] and Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) based preclinical imaging, monitoring treatment response of small molecule CBL0137 in different PDX models using in vivo animal studies, tumour tissue characterisation (morphology, immunohistochemistry, and expression of NEPC biomarkers) following monotherapy and combination therapy (CBL0137/Cisplatin) towards FACT protein complex of NEPC.
The integrated information of CBL0137 drug studies at the preclinical stage may help to ensure the successful application of this novel treatment strategy when entering early-phase clinical trials.
Short Biography
I am in the 3rd year of my PhD. Prior to joining my PhD project, I completed my Master of Science (thesis) from Southern Cross University, Australia, where I explored the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Australian marine mollusc compounds. I enjoy preclinical, experimental animal model-related research works. I am highly passionate about physiology, pharmacology, and cancer research. I am a member of the Centre of Genomics and Personalised Health (CGPH)-HDR committee.
Education
2021: Master of Science (thesis) from Southern Cross University, Australia