Cancer Genetics Laboratory

The Cancer Genetics Laboratory studies cancers of endocrine organs, many of which develop as a result of hereditary syndromes.

Our research team has expertise in cancer biology, diagnostic genetic testing, family counselling and targeted surveillance programs.

Our research translates discoveries in genetic research to improved clinical care for patients with endocrine cancers.

Lead

Associate Professor Roderick Clifton-Bligh

Head, Cancer Genetics Laboratory
Head, Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital

Professor Bruce Robinson

Co-Head, Cancer Genetics Laboratory

Professor Stan Sidhu

Co-Head, Cancer Genetics Laboratory

People

Dr Diana (Dindy) Benn PhD

Senior Research Scientist

Dr Martyn Bullock PhD

Postdoctoral Scientist

Dr Catherine Luxford PhD

Laboratory Manager

Dr Ying Zhu - Hospital Scientist

Rozelle Harvie - Research Assistant

Marthe Chehade - PhD Student

Dr Amanda Seabrook - PhD Student

Dr Ayanthi Wijewardene - PhD Student

Dr Dahlia Davidoff - PhD Student

Dr Christopher Muir - PhD student

Network

Sydney Vital

Projects

Our current research programs are:

Cancer Genetics Diagnostic Laboratory

We perform NATA-accredited genetic testing for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, Hereditary Phaeochromocytoma/Paraganglioma syndromes, hereditary hyperparathyroidism disorders and hereditary thyroid disorders.

Phaeochromocytoma/Paraganglioma syndromes

Studying hereditary mutations in key genes associated with phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas. Our research has made several discoveries that link mitochondrial dysfunction with a predisposition to these and other cancers. These biomarker discoveries have been translated into routine pathology practice.

Thyroid Cancer

Studying tumour or hereditary DNA mutations that predispose people to thyroid cancers. Our ground breaking work has included discovery of fusion chromosomes in particular subtypes of thyroid cancer. It has also examined the role of the BRAF oncogene in cancer metastasis and the specific role of a thyroid developmental transcription factor FOXE1 with thyroid cancer predisposition, a finding that links disruption in an early developmental gene with cancer development in adult life.