Research update
“Our results have the potential to identify predictive mutations and changes that will pave the way for large clinical screening trials and the development of new early LC diagnostics using samples collected using minimally invasive methods. This would significantly improve detection and treatment, and have a major impact on the lives of lung cancer patient’s.”
Dr Atiqur Rahman from the University of Newcastle.
The Deep Manchanda/Lung Foundation Australia Early Career co-funded Fellowship in Lung Cancer 2016/17 allowed Dr Atiqur Rahman from the University of Newcastle to undertake his research project, in the lab of Professor Phil Hansbro, titled: Elucidating and targeting genomic and epigenetic changes in the development and progression of lung cancer. This award was made possible thanks to the generous donation from the Manchanda Family in memory of Deep Manchanda who died of lung cancer.
Atiqur’s research aims to identify changes that occur as lung cancer progresses using a world-first short-term mouse model of cigarette-smoke/tobacco carcinogen-induced lung cancer. It will identify early genetic changes in lung cancer such as when adenomas (benign) progress to adenocarcinomas (cancerous). The research hopes to advance diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer to improve the lives of people living with this disease.
As a result of the exciting developments in this research project, the University of Newcastle have recruited an additional three PhD students to progress this world-class research. The team are now sequencing tumours from three mice that were only exposed to cigarette smoke to further refine potential mutations.
To discover early diagnostic biomarkers and better treatment for lung cancer, these mutations will be examined earlier as well as assess samples such as blood or sputum.