Our group investigates the primary brain tumour glioblastoma (GBM), one of the most aggressive and incurable tumours in adults.  Treatment comprises surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy (temozolomide). Even with this aggressive therapy, tumours inevitably recur, conferring a life expectancy of approximately one year. Intensive research using conventional preclinical models, such as cells are grown in two-dimensional conditions (plastic dishes) or in three-dimensional models devoid of extracellular matrix or scaffolding support such as neurospheres, have identified multiple molecular targeted agents which have all failed in the clinic. Failure in the clinical translation of these agents imply that the conventional preclinical models used are not representative of GBM or its response to treatment. To elicit improved therapies for GBM patients and improve the poor survival rates, research in our group has focused in the development of appropriate models that better recapitulate the GBM microenvironment and evaluate how these cells respond to treatment.

Using a three-dimensional GBM model developed in our laboratory, that recapitulates key clinical features including cell morphology, migration, and clinical response to molecular targeted therapies, we have identified several molecular targets that induce radiation sensitivity as well as radiation protection.  We are currently investigating the mechanisms involved in these responses, in order to identify better treatments with clinical efficacy.