More than 90% of cancer patients die because their tumour has spread to other parts of the body. Our project will investigate how a cell surface protein called CDCP1 helps cancer cells to spread. We will also work out how an antibody against CDCP1 causes cancer cells to die. This information is necessary if CDCP1 is to be used to block cancer.

One reason why cancers invade the surrounding tissues and spread to distant organs (metastasis) is because they can evade or have lost the ability to respond to normal control mechanisms. EphB2 is a protein which is part of a normal growth control mechanism in the colon and most colon cancers lose the EphB2 protein as they progress to an invasive/metastatic type. Restoring EphB2 expression to colon cancer cell lines retards their ability to grow as tumours. This study investigates the mechanism by which EphB2 inhibits tumour growth by studying the effects restoring EphB2 expression to colon cancer cells in culture and will also determine the cause of EphB2 induced growth retardation in tumours.

Cancer & Bowel Research Trust supports projects conducted by the Gastroenterology Research Laboratory at the IMVS which investigates gene expression, molecular changes and clinico-pathological features of serrated colorectal polyps. These polyps have only recently been recognized as precursors of colorectal cancer and still await their detailed characterization and establishing optimal clinical management.

There is a gene called C-Met which is involved in cell migration. This is particularly dangerous in cancer patients as it means that cancer cells can spread more quickly and easily. In colon cancer patients, death occurs after the tumour has spread, causing metastasis. C-Met isn't a gene that is normally active in colon cells, but it can be activated by the cancer. This research program is going to examine how much impact the C-Met gene has on cancer spreading, and therefore how important it is in the control and treatment of cancer.

Molecular detection of micro-metastic dissemination in colorectal carcinoma using novel tumour specific markers.

Evaluation of ex-vivo liver perfusion system as a liver support device in a porcine model of liver regeneration

This project aims to determine if certain groups of the population will benefit from chemotherapy after removal of colon cancer with intention to cure.

The decision by Cancer & Bowel Research Trust to support the Flinders Cancer Centre for Innovation in Cancer is based on the Centre's commitment to take an innovative, patient focused approach to cancer prevention, research, education and care that will lead to national and international acclaim.