Thomas R. Cox, Mar 2019
We have just published a new paper in Breast Cancer Research in collaboration with lead researcher Dr. David Croucher from the Garvan Institute, looking at how and why ERBB2 (HER2) positive breast cancer cells develop resistance to targeted therapies such as trastuzumab (Herceptin™).
Thomas R. Cox, Dec 2017
Our new paper on alternative collagen sources for 3D organotypic cultures for use as pre-clinical models is now out in Scientific Reports
Cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM) occur in a three-dimensional (3D) context and this essential aspect of the tumour microenvironment can lead to altered sensitivity to therapeutics and even act as a barrier to their delivery. This key feature is often overlooked in pre-clinical studies and is likely one of the central factors contributing to the high attrition rates of lead compounds within the pharmaceutical industry. This organotypic platform allows assessment of lead compounds in both the stromal compartment or in a 3D co-culture setting using large scale collagen preparations from alternative sources.
Thomas R. Cox, Nov 2017
Our new review on the how hypoxia is important in cancer-associated bone disease has just been published in Calcified Tissue International.
Thomas R. Cox, Sep 2017
We’re delighted to announce the we have been awarded a research grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the world’s leading breast cancer organisation.
The grant will support a project investigating how stiffness in breast tissue can drive the aggressive behaviour of cancer cells, and how tissue stiffness impacts on the effectiveness of breast cancer treatments
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 gland 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.
