Dr Marina Trigueros, Communications Manager at Phenomics Australia, recently had the privilege of visiting a leading research centre in Perth. We are grateful for the opportunity to observe the groundbreaking advancements in Precision Medicine research and beyond within our nodes and are excited to share this journey with our network.
Located at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research (Perkins), the Phenomics Australia In Vitro node showcased its state-of-the-art research infrastructure designed to translate laboratory discoveries into novel cancer treatments and medicines. Through collaborative efforts, the Phenomics Australia In Vitro Node at Perkins is developing a comprehensive pipeline that includes a cancer tissue biobank, platforms for generating research data, and a digital environment for capturing, analysing, and sharing integrated research and clinical data.
The comprehensive tour, guided by Phenomics Australia‘s expert team, provided an up-close look at cutting-edge laboratories and the latest preclinical models, such as cancer organoids used to evaluate immunotherapy drugs with greater accuracy. These models are pivotal in assessing new treatments and combination therapies. During the tour, we were also able to take a glimpse of the Perkins Cancer Biobank, which collaborates with the Phenomics Australia In Vitro node to generate Patient-Derived Organoids for discovery research and preclinical evaluation of new and repurposed drugs.
Operational since 2020, the Perkins Cancer Biobank has been collecting tumour samples in partnership with surgeons, oncologists, and pathologists from several Perth hospitals. These samples undergo detailed molecular characterisation using advanced omics technologies (genomics, single-cell sequencing, metabolomics, and proteomics), facilitating improved preclinical assessments of new cancer medicines, leading to higher clinical trial success rates and better patient outcomes.
Additionally, this data supports the development of novel biomarkers to monitor pharmacodynamics, predict drug response and resistance, and enable better stratification of target populations.
Our heartfelt thanks to Dr Louise Winteringham, Phenomics Australia’s Scientific Director and head of the Translational Cancer Research Program and Biobank Chief Investigator, and Ms Larissa Dymond, Research Officer for the Phenomics Australia Perkins In Vitro Node facility, for their dedication and passion, which made this visit an unforgettable experience.
We are enthusiastic about the innovative work happening at Phenomics Australia nodes and look forward to sharing their advancements and achievements with our community.
Contact us to explore the expertise and services provided by the Phenomics Australia Perkins In Vitro Node.
