Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in Australian men and women. Bowel cancer affects 1 in 13 people and it is Australia’s second deadliest cancer, with over 5,000 people dying each year. Bowel cancer is increasingly detected in young people (under 50 years) and the cause of this is unknown. 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 testing whether existing drugs can be repurposed to prevent bowel cancer in high risk patient groups.
Lead
People
Network
Projects
Professor Mark P. Molloy
Lawrence Penn Chair of Bowel Cancer Research
School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney
Honorary Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University
Dr Benita Tse
Research Fellow
School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney
Dr Matthew McKay
Senior Research Officer
School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney
Dr Jun Li
Research Fellow
School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney
Gabriella Parrilla
Research Assistant
