Cancer

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a complex group of diseases that develops when cells grow and divide uncontrollably, disrupting the normal function of tissues and organs. While significant progress has been made in prevention, diagnosis and treatment, cancer remains one of the leading health challenges worldwide. Research is essential to better understand how cancers develop, why they respond differently to treatment, and how outcomes for patients can be improved.

Cancer Research at Curtin MRI

At Curtin MRI, our researchers work across a range of cancers, including leukaemia, liver cancer, mesothelioma, melanoma, ovarian cancer and sarcoma, among others. Our research spans molecular biology and genomics through to clinical research, data science and patient-centred care, with the goal of improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship outcomes for people affected by cancer.

Advancing Cancer Research and Patient Care

Our work ranges from discovery science through to translational and community-focused research, with a strong emphasis on earlier detection, more personalised therapies and improving quality of life for patients and their families. Through collaboration with clinicians, hospitals, industry and research partners, Curtin MRI is helping shape a future where cancer care is more precise, effective and accessible.

Cancer Classifications

Leukaemia Transalational Research.

At Curtin MRI Associate Professor Laurence Cheung and his team specialise in Leukaemia Transalational Research.

This research focuses on improving outcomes for children with Leukaemia. Assoc. Prof Cheung’s research has three main themes:

• Leukaemia Microenvironment: Investigating how the bone marrow environment influences the development, progression, and relapse of childhood leukaemia.
• High-Risk Childhood Leukaemia: Identifying novel therapeutic agents and combinations to treat aggressive forms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), including those with BCR-ABL1 or MLL genetic alterations.
• Treatment Complications: Modelling and mitigating the long-term side effects of leukaemia therapy and preventing infectious complications in children with cancer.

Assoc. Prof Laurence Cheung

Cancer Genomics Research.

At Curtin MRI Prof Dr Carlessi and his team specialise in Cancer Genomics Research.

This research focuses on advancing the early detection and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through the integration of molecular diagnostics, genomics, and therapeutic innovation. We aim to develop transformative approaches that improve how liver cancer is identified, monitored, and treated.

Key areas of investigation include the development of liquid biopsy technologies, particularly ctDNA based assays, to enable early diagnosis and real time disease monitoring. We are also exploring CRISPR Cas13 based RNA therapeutics to selectively target and degrade cancer promoting transcripts, establishing new avenues for precision treatment. In parallel, our work examines epigenetic reprogramming strategies to reverse abnormal DNA methylation patterns and suppress tumour progression.

Through these interdisciplinary efforts, we seek to establish effective strategies for early detection, personalised therapy, and improved long term management of liver cancer.

Dr Rodrigo Carlessi

Cancer Immunology Research.

At Curtin MRI Associate Professor Delia Nelson and her team specialise in Cancer Immunology Research.

This research research focuses on understanding the complex interactions between the innate and adaptive immune systems and how these systems communicate with the vascular network during tumour progression. We also investigate how ageing influences these immune and vascular interactions, shaping disease outcomes and therapeutic responses.

In addition, we study the effects of standard chemotherapy, as well as emerging treatments including immunotherapies, gene therapies, vascular-targeting strategies and metal-based therapies, on these immune and vascular processes.

Assoc. Prof Delia Nelson

Experimental Therapeutics Research.

At Curtin MRI Professor Pieter Eichhorn and his team specialise in Experimental Therapeutics Research.

This research investigates how breast cancer and melanoma develop resistance to targeted therapies, particularly through reactivation of MAPK and PI3K signalling pathways. We study how disruptions to feedback mechanisms enable cancer cells to adapt and survive treatment.

Using preclinical and clinical models, including patient derived organoids and gene edited cell lines, we examine the molecular drivers of resistance. A key focus is on ubiquitin modifying enzymes and long non coding RNAs, which regulate signalling pathways and contribute to adaptive responses under drug pressure.

We also explore how therapy resistance influences the tumour immune environment, including mechanisms of immune evasion, to support the development of combined targeted and immunotherapy approaches.

Overall, our work aims to translate mechanistic insights into strategies that overcome resistance and improve precision cancer treatment outcomes.

Prof. Pieter Eichhorn

Oncology and Gynaecolgy Research

At Curtin MRI Associate Professor Yu Yu and her team specialise in Oncology and GynaecologyResearch.

This research research focuses on advanced solid cancers and endometriosis, with an emphasis on understanding the biological mechanisms driving disease recurrence and treatment resistance. Her work aims to identify novel biomarkers and develop targeted therapies by investigating pathways such as cellular iron metabolism, cytoskeletal dynamics, and kinase activity. Using integrated omics approaches, preclinical models, and drug testing, she explores strategies to overcome chemotherapy resistance and improve treatment outcomes.

Assoc. Prof Yu Yu

Supportive Care in Cancer Research

At Curtin MRI Associate Professor Georgia Halkett and her team specialise in Supportive Care in Cander  Research.

This research focuses on the psychosocial and informational needs of people diagnosed with cancer, as well as those who care for them. It aims to strengthen communication between health professionals and patients, enhance support throughout cancer survivorship, and support effective return to work pathways. It also contributes to advancing evidence in radiation therapy practice.

This research is grounded in meaningful consumer engagement across all activities and draws on qualitative research, mixed methods, co design approaches, and clinical trials. It is centred on improving how information and support are delivered to cancer patients and carers, with a particular focus on psychosocial care, communication, survivorship, and return to work transitions.

Assoc. Prof Georgia Halkett

Artificial Intelligence in Medical Radiation Science, Radiology and Radiation Oncology

At Curtin MRI Associate Professor Curtise Ng and his team specialise in Supportive Care in Cander  Research.

This research centres on the integration of artificial intelligence and imaging informatics to advance medical imaging, radiology, and radiation oncology. The teams work explores AI-driven innovations for optimising clinical workflows, radiation dose management, image quality, and diagnostic accuracy.

They are also engaged in research on radiation dosimetry and protection, student-centred learning pedagogies, and professional practice in radiography. The interdisciplinary approach bridges medical radiation science, artificial intelligence, cardiovascular imaging, and medical education, with the overarching goal of improving healthcare quality, efficiency, and workforce sustainability.

Assoc. Prof Curtise Ng