Colorectal research

Our research aims to improve survival and quality of life for patients with colorectal cancer. We integrate benchtop and clinical research activities, providing a unique opportunity for clinicians, scientists and laboratory staff to work closely together to maximise patient care.

Improving survival and quality of life after colorectal surgery
Biomarkers of prognosis and treatment response
Harnessing the immune system to fight colorectal cancer
Finding ways to better predict the risk of disease recurrence and metastases

Colorectal (bowel) cancer is the second most common cancer in Australia in both men and women, with more than 16,000 people diagnosed each year.

Improvements in diagnosis and treatment have meant that many more people now survive colorectal cancer than was the case 10-20 years ago. However, more than 5,500 people across the country were expected to die from the disease last year alone.*

Therefore, there is still much work to be done.

Clinicians, scientists and laboratory staff work closely together on our research projects, with the common goal of continuing to improve outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer.

*Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Dr Mel McCoy
Dr Jen Ryan
Tracey Lee-Pullen
Dr Ryan Cohen
Naressa Yeo

Cohen R, Lee-Pullen T, Miller TJ, Meehan K, Fuller K, McCoy MJ. Optimising multiplex immunofluorescence staining for characterising the tumour immune micro-environment. Methods 2023, 219, 48-57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymeth.2023.09.004

Cohen R, Beasley A, McCoy M, Platell C, Meehan K, Gray E, Fuller K. Locally performed postoperative circulating tumour DNA testing performed during routine clinical care to predict recurrence of colorectal cancer. ANZ J Surg 2023, 93 2473-2480. https://doi.org/10.1111/ans.18385