A special visit by two international cancer specialists could mark the start of a valuable collaborative partnership.
Professor Matthew Katz from the MD Anderson Cancer Centre in Houston Texas is recognised as a pioneer in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, while Professor Cynthia Sears from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore is a global leader in colorectal cancer research.
The pair discussed the role of microbiome in colorectal cancer progression, and peri-operative treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients.
Senior Kolling Institute cancer researcher Dr Sumit Sahni said the event focused on the clinical management of colorectal and pancreatic cancers, and recent advances in the development of organoid models for cancer.
Dr Sumit said we also had the chance to present our promising data on the development of a urinary biomarker test for early detection of pancreatic cancer.
“The day provided a wonderful chance to meet the two leading international experts and to explore collaborative opportunities between clinicians and scientists working in this field,” he said.
“It was exciting to hear the latest research with these complex gastrointestinal cancers, including the role of microbiome in promoting colon cancer and influencing cancer immunotherapy responses.”
The event was co-ordinated by the University of Sydney’s Cancer Research Network and Northern Sydney Local Health District.