Spinal Biology Research Group
Staff and Students
Dr Gerald Quan (Head)
Dr Davina Cossigny
Assoc. Prof Douglas Brown
Dr Steven Hill
Dr Peter Wilde
Group Information
The Spinal Biology Research Group is a new group headed by Dr. Gerald Quan and is focused on two key areas; spinal cancer and traumatic spinal cord injury. This group includes clinicians and surgeons who represent the Victorian Spinal Cord Injuries service who work closely with the research team. In our cancer research work, we are investigating one of the most common sites of metastatic spread of cancer: the spinal column. Spinal metastases occur in all age groups, with the highest incidence between age 40 and 65 years. The most common primary cancer sources are breast, prostate and lung. Due to a worldwide increase of cancer incidence and to a longer life expectancy of cancer patients, the incidence is increasing. Since the vertebral column has structural loadbearing as well as spinal cord and nerve-protecting functions, metastatic involvement often leads to severe pain and/or paralysis and has serious adverse consequences on daily living and quality of life. The research group is focused on establishing and characterizing a clinically relevant mouse model of spinal cancer to closely analyze this condition and to investigate novel treatment methods. Secondly, we are investigating the severe health problem of spinal cord injury. It is a condition that usually involves lifelong disability and requires ongoing support services. Clearly, it is one of the most devastating survivable injuries an individual can suffer and it has immense social and economic impact on both the patient and our community. At present, no therapies exist that have had a significant impact on recovery of neurological function in injured patients. Our research will improve the understanding of the pathological processes of spinal cord injury and neuronal recovery and translate this into better clinical outcomes for patients with this devastating condition.