Inflammation-induced Cancer: Mechanisms and Novel Treatments

Summary Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most commonly reported cancer in Australia. It accounts for over 1.4 million reports with over 700,000 deaths globally. Chronic inflammation has been considered a direct link to CRC susceptibility. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is considered a risk factor for CRC.

Project Details

Dr R Eri from the University of Tasmania recently established a novel model of colitis-associated colorectal dysplasia. We have established pre-clinical models of IBD and colitis-associated colorectal cancer closely resembling symptoms and pathophysiology of human diseases. We hypothesise that progression of chronic intestinal inflammation into colorectal cancer results from alteration to gastrointestinal innervation and neuro-immune interactions.

Project group Major Aims:

1. To investigate immunological pathways and checkpoint biomarkers involved in colitis-associated colorectal cancer in pre-clinical mouse models.

2. To determine the effects of CRC progression on gastrointestinal innervation in the models of IBD and colitis-associated colorectal dysplasia.

3.         To determine the effects of anti-eosinophil drugs, neuroprotective drugs and checkpoint inhibitors on the ENS and GI dysfunction in the models of IBD and colitis-associated colorectal dysplasia.