Dr Mal Itchins is the recipient of Lung Foundation Australia’s Kha Kiang Khoo Memorial Award in ROS-1 Lung Cancer Research. This grant was made possible through the fundraising efforts of Kha Kiang’s daughters, Michelle and Rachel, who wanted to increase awareness of ROS-1+ lung cancer and equip specialists with the knowledge to provide better treatments and improve survival rates.
Approximately 2% of lung cancers are driven by gene abnormalities in a gene called ROS-1, where it fuses to another gene and causes the lung cells to continue to grow and multiply out of control. ROS-1 often affects a younger and fitter population which means it often spreads to other part of the body before symptoms develop. Currently, there are limited treatment options for ROS-1 and no cure.
Dr Itchin’s research seeks to look for predictive factors that lead to positive treatment outcomes and improved survival in ROS-1+ patients. The study will also establish a tissue “bank” to provide a foundation for future research and tackle challenges like treatment resistance and how to prevent it.
Dr Itchin says that Kha Kiang Khoo’s story drives the determination of her research team to continue their valuable work in improving the lives of those affected by ROS-1 lung cancer, and lung cancers more broadly. They are humbled to be part of her legacy.
Image sourced from Chris O’Brien Lifehouse as the photo owner https://www.mylifehouse.org.au/team/malinda-itchins/
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