Bowel Cancer and Biomarker Research Lab
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the second most common cancer in Australian men and women. It affects 1 in 13 people. It is also Australia’s second deadliest cancer, with over 5,000 people dying each year. Early detection through screening can improve survival rates, however further research is needed to help find cures and prevent the disease.
The Bowel Cancer and Biomarker Laboratory at the Kolling Institute uses advanced technologies to study the genes and proteins responsible for bowel cancers growing and spreading. Our aim is to use a patient’s own molecular information to understand the risk of bowel cancer developing and to guide treatment options. As part of our research, we are studying how to control bowel polyp growth, which are precursors to cancer. We are doing this through diet and chemotherapy drugs.
Prof Mark P. Molloy, PhD | Lawrence Penn Chair of Bowel Cancer Research
The University of Sydney | Northern Clinical School
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Honorary Professor | Dept. Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University
Secretary | Australasian Proteomics Society
Dr Jun Li PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Dr Benita Tse
Research Fellow
Matthew McKay - Senior Research Officer
Bharat Venkatesh Gunappa - Research Officer
(Vo Van) Anh Pham - PhD Student
YuHong Fu - Visiting Researcher
Ping (Wendy) Wu - Visiting Research Assistant
Kiera Hicks - Honours Student
Colby Stevenson - PhD Student
Eve Hopping - Masters Student
Gabriella Parrilla - Research Assistant
Samuel Pheeney - Honours Student
(Hafiz) Saad Ahmad - PhD Student
Isabel Claro - Research Project Student
Orsolya Kekesi - Postdoctoral Research Associate
Current bowel cancer research focuses on:
- Why and how some bowel polyps become cancers
- Which bowel tumours are likely to spread
- Molecular make-up of colorectal tumours
- Early detection of disease recurrence
Our research is facilitated by specimens from clinical projects we run including:
- Sydney 1000 bowel cancer study
- IMAP Bowel polyp study
Bowel Cancer and Biomarker Research related information
Events, News and Seminars
Podcast offers insight into the future of healthcare
Posted on: 24 June, 2025
A fascinating and informative podcast has been launched showcasing groundbreaking research, in..... Read more
Category: Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Musculoskeletal Research, Neuroscience and Pain Research, Research Excellence
Celebrating over 100 years of innovation
Posted on: 24 June, 2025
The inaugural Eva Kolling Research Day was staged within Royal North Shore Hospital, providing the p..... Read more
Category: Awards, Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Funding support, Musculoskeletal Research, Neuroscience and Pain Research, Research Excellence
Improving cancer detection in young people with neurofibromatosis type 1
Posted on: 23 June, 2025
Researchers from Royal North Shore Hospital and the Kolling Institute will lead Australia’s first st..... Read more
Category: New Treatment, Research Excellence