UV light, cigarette smoke, infections, and inherited genetic predispositions can all cause cancer by damaging the body's DNA. If there is damage to genes that control cell division, cells may begin dividing uncontrollably and spread throughout the body, becoming cancerous. Cancer cells can arise anywhere in the body: cancer is not one disease, but many different diseases. The strategies and therapies to treat cancer are also diverse.
Read more about the Cancer Domain and its subdomains
Graduate Research StudentsIf you are interested in doing a graduate research degree, please lodge an Expression of Interest.
The PhD Experience
Are you thinking of doing a PhD, but want to know more about what you might be getting yourself into? We invite you to listen to eight PhD candidates at various stages of their PhD share their experiences, as they plan their project, recruit participants, and analyse and communicate their results. Listen to the podcast on The PhD experience.
Congratulations to honorary researchers of the University of Melbourne, A/Professors Steven Stacker and Marc Achen, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and A/Professor David Thomas, Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute, whose research has been profiled in the National Health and Medical Research Council's book and accompanying series of podcasts "10 of the Best Research Projects 2009." Read more.
Early successes for potential colorectal cancer vaccine
Colorectal cancer is the most common solid organ cancer in men and women. This research, using a mouse colorectal cancer model shows that vaccination with whole tumor cells that have been grown in the laboratory give significant protection from a challenge. Importantly, this technique is only beneficial in the initial development of the cancer. Once the cancer is established the tumors generate an immunosuppressive environment that prevents the anti-tumor response to the vaccine. In this model the early benefit of vaccination and the escape when a tumor is established can both be studied to give insights into future clinical uses. Read the paper.
The LICR Translational Oncology Conference
When: Nov 6-8, 2009
Where: The Grand Hyatt, Melbourne
International Plenary Speakers: Dr Jose Baselga, Sir David Lane, Dr Douglas Fearon, Dr Richard Kolodner, Dr Andrew Simpson
Abstract Submission Closing Date: 8th October, 2009
Please click here for more details
Dean's Lecture Series 2008
Professor Peto will explain the long-term effects of asbestos exposure in causing lung cancer and mesothelioma. He will explain why, in the early years of research on asbestos, it was believed that exposure below a certain threshold would be safe. Listen to the podcast.
Do you wish to be alerted to upcoming training courses, seminars, lectures and conferences? Would you like to know about research and travel grants, scholarships, fellowships and studentships? Sign up to receive the fortnightly MDHS Research Bulletin into your email inbox! The Research Bulletin aims to alert researchers and their higher degree research students to opportunities for enriching and developing their research careers and experience. To submit an item for inclusion on the Research Bulletin or to be added to distribution list, please email mdhs-bulletin@unimelb.edu.au.
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