Thomas R. Cox, Aug 2017
We are seeking a full-time dedicated PostDoc to work in the Cancer Division Matrix & Metastasis Group headed by Dr. Thomas Cox. The group combines the use of 3D models of cancer with novel state-of-the-art imaging approaches to reveal how the extracellular matrix drives cancer progression and metastasis. Our mission is to establish targeting of the extracellular matrix as a viable therapeutic approach in the treatment of solid cancers.
Thomas R. Cox, July 2017
Last week I had the pleasure of being part of an exciting expert panel discussion for the Pathfinders inaugural Cancer Research Revolution Forum which was held at the Westpac Conference Centre in Sydney.
Thomas R. Cox, July 2017
I was recently invited to chat with Norman Swan on ABC Radio National’s Health report about some of the recent work we have been doing on the Extracellular Matrix in cancer.
The extracellular matrix or the matrix is the web- or mesh-like structure that encases the cells in the tissues and organs of our body.
Image: Mayorca-Guiliani AE, Madsen CD, Cox TR et al. Nature Medicine (2017)
We recently developed a new technique which dissolves the cells from tumours to leave behind this matrix, allowing us to study it in unprecedented detail – and we discuss the potential of these research outcomes. Continue reading
Thomas R. Cox, Jun 2017
Our most recent research has just been published in Nature Medicine.
In our paper we describe a new and intuitive new way to dissolve cells from tissues, leaving behind the extracellular matrix (ECM) or ‘matrix’.
The matrix is made up of 100’s of differing building blocks and surrounds the cells in our body. It is incredibly important in the progression and spread of cancer – but up until now it has been notoriously difficult to study in detail.
‘ISDoT’ mammary glad during lactation stained for the extracellular matrix (ECM) molecule Collagen IV
Our new protocol on shear rheology of tumour tissues to measure tumour stiffness has just been published in bio-protocol
Thomas R. Cox, Apr 2017
Our new paper on short-term pulsed treatment, or ‘priming’ as a treatment strategy to boost chemotherapy has just been published in Science Translational Medicine.
STM Front Cover Vol 9 Issue 384 (Image: Timpson Laboratory, Garvan Institute)
The research, spearheaded by Dr. Paul Timpson and Dr. Marina Pajic here at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney, has uncovered a promising new approach to treating pancreatic cancer. By targeting the tissue surrounding the tumour to make it ‘softer’, it leads to tumours being more responsive to chemotherapy.
Thomas R. Cox, Mar 2017
Our new review on the importance of the pre-metastatic niche (PMN) in cancer has just been published in Nature Reviews Cancer. It summarises the natural progression of pre-metastatic niche formation and evolution, highlighting recent advances and future hurdles.
Thomas R. Cox, Feb 2017
Our new paper on the pre-clinical testing of two novel potential anti-cancer drugs in breast cancer has just been published in Oncotarget.
We are delighted to welcome our newest member, Joanna Skhinas, to the Matrix and Metastasis lab here at the Kinghorn Cancer Centre and Garvan Institute.
Joanna joins us as a research assistant having recently completed her Honours degree at the University of New South Wales. Joanna will work on our recently awarded NHMRC grant to understand more about how the stiffness of the extracellular matrix affects cancer progression and response to therapy.
Through joining our team, Joanna can pursue her “interest in cancer biology, in particular the interactions between cancer cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix, and the ECMs role in metastasis”
Our new protocol on in vitro shear rheology of cell-embedded hydrogels has just been published in bio-protocol
Bio-protocol (ISSN: 2331-8325) is a peer-viewed e-journal established in 2011 by a group of Stanford researchers. Their mission is to make life science research more efficient and reproducible by curating and hosting high quality, open access, life science protocols.
