Cancer Biology and Clinical Oncology

Cancer is a general term for more than 100 diseases that are characterised by the abnormal growth of cells. Cancer affects a large portion of Australians, with one in two diagnosed by the age of 85.

Researcher in lab coat and safety glasses using laboratory apparatus

Our cancer biology research seeks to understand the fundamental mechanisms by which cancers arise, progress and respond to treatment. 

Clinical oncology consists of three primary disciplines: medical oncology (the treatment of cancer with medicine, including chemotherapy); surgical oncology (the surgical aspects of cancer, including biopsy, staging, and surgical resection of tumours); and radiation oncology (the treatment of cancer with therapeutic radiation).

Understanding the causes of cancer will enable the development of innovative approaches to treat both liquid cancers (leukaemia and myeloma) and solid cancers (breast, prostate, ovarian and gastrointestinal cancer).

Researchers across the faculty are focused on:

  • identifying the molecular and cellular basis of cancer
  • developing preclinical models that closely resemble human cancer
  • understanding the mechanisms involved in cancer spread and resistance to chemotherapy 
  • identifying novel biomarkers for detection of cancer
  • developing and evaluating new drugs to treat cancer.

Our research centres and institutes working in this area

Our research groups working in this area

Lead researchers

For additional leads in this area of research, please contact Cancer Biology and Clinical Oncology researchers.

Interested in a postgraduate research degree?

We offer exciting opportunities for researchers at the honours, masters and PhD levels. Our research degrees are open to students from a broad range of backgrounds, and range from basic sciences to clinical research. If you are interested in human health, consider furthering your research career with us.

Honours Degrees