HPB & Transplantion Research Group Projects
Liver Malignancy
top of pageCancer research is a strong focus within our group in particular colorectal liver metastases as well as primary liver cancer. We have established and characterised a clinically relevant mouse model of this disease which has enabled us to perform in depth investigation of novel treatment methods. These include Vascular Targeting Agents which rapidly shut down tumour blood supply while preserving the normal liver, Macromolecular Drugs which are selectively retained within tumours, Immune therapies which stimulate the immune response to tumours, and the role of the Renin Angiotensin system in tumour growth. Our research goals are to develop combination therapies which will ultimately lead to improved therapeutics to treat this disease, and our position within the Hospital means that we aim to oversee the translation of these therapies into clinical practice.
- Targeting the Tumour Microvasculature - Enhancing the effects of Vascular Disrupting Agents.
- Renin angiotensin system: Role in colorectal cancer.
- Lymphatic Patterns in Human Primary and Secondary Liver Tumours
- Effect of liver tumour differentiation on tumour recurrence after liver resection
Liver Transplantation
top of pageOur research program for Liver Transplantation uses rat models which reproduce the characteristics of organ procurement injury and of acute rejection. Both these events lead to loss of grafted organs in real life and our biomedical research is focused on novel therapies that may overcome these obstacles. These include investigation of preservative solutions that can safely maintain a donor organ for longer periods, the role of complement inhibitors, and the use of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on the outcomes of liver transplantation. Investigation of the mechanisms of action of HBO therapy in ischaemia preservation and reperfusion injury (IPRI) is an active area of research within our group.
Liver Regeneration
top of pageThe liver is a unique organ capable of rapid regenartion. The processes that influence this phenomenon and not fully understood. Furthermore the potential for liver regeneration to influence the behavious of micrometastases has profound implications in clinical practice. We have established mouse models of varying degrees of liver resection to investigate the molecular changes controlling regeneration and its influence on tumour growth.
- Molecular Mechanisms of Tumour Stimulation in Liver Regeneration
- RAS and Kupffer cells: Role in liver regeneration and tumorigenesis
- Impact of liver resection on the patterns of early tumour recurrence
Pancreatic Diseases
top of pageAcute pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas which in its most severe form causes significant morbidity and mortality. Few therapies are available that modify the natural course of the disease and prediction of progression to the severe form is difficult. Management deals mostly with supportive therapies and treatment of complications. HBO therapy has been shown to be effective in modifying the severity of pancreatitis. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scanning may allow early assessment of microcirculatory disturbances and provide a prognostic predictor. This project is a national collaborative study involving the Ludwig Institute, Austin Hospital and the Hyperbaric Unit at the Alfred Hospital.