Cancer Research Trainee Spotlight
Western University is home to many talented research trainees who conduct research across various city-wide university and hospital facilities. They play an integral part in oncology research.
The featured trainees are all in various stages of training and were randomly selected amongst the members of the Centre for Translational Cancer Research, who act as mentors and supervisors throughout their training. The trainees were asked to complete the following questions.
What is your undergraduate/master's degree and from which institution:
Ryan Au *(Jan/25, rau23@uwo.ca)
BSc. in Medical Physics, McMaster's University and MSc. in Physics, Toronto Metropolitan University
4th year PhD Candidate in Medical Biophysics, Supervisor: Drs. Aaron Ward and Glenn Bauman (Baines Imaging Research Laboratories, VFCC)
Project: My research focuses on developing different tools that could help radiologists more accurately identify prostate cancer on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is the key imaging modality used to diagnose prostate cancer, but small cancers may be missed by radiologists. Therefore, we are using eye tracking technology to understand how radiologists currently use MRIs to identify prostate cancer, and identify specific search patterns that lead to more accurate cancer identifications. We are also using artificial intelligence to map cancers seen on high resolution images of prostate tissue onto MRIs so that radiologists can better understand how MRI findings relate to the underlying tissue.
Why this project?: I am very interested in developing and implementing various tools that would be beneficial in clinical settings. This project allows me to pursue these interests by developing novel artificial intelligence systems and bringing eye tracking technology (commonly used in computer gaming) into the medical setting to ultimately improve clinical workflows and enable more accurate cancer diagnoses.
Why Western?: Dr. Ward's research program provided a unique opportunity to work within a cancer centre where I could get immediate input and feedback from radiation oncologists. Having the privilege of being so close to the frontlines ensures everything I am developing will be useful within the clinic.
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Nitara Fernando *(Dec/24, nferna47@uwo.ca)
BSc. in Medical and Biological Physics, McMaster University
3rd year PhD Candidate in Department of Medical Biophysics, Supervisor: Dr. Paula Foster, Imaging Pathogens for Knowledge Translation (ImPaKT) Facility, Western University
Project: My research is focused on the development of Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) for imaging of cancer metastasis. Metastasis causes over 90% of tumour-related deaths, often spreading first to nearby lymph nodes. The sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the first node or group of nodes cancer will spread to; thus, its detection is crucial for determining cancer spread and guiding treatment. Current SLN mapping uses a Technetium (99m-Tc) tracer and blue dye, but these have drawbacks like short tracer half-life and radiation exposure. Magnetic SLN localization with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles avoids radiation and has a longer lifespan, however, it currently relies on a hand-held magnetometer during biopsy and does not allow for preoperative imaging. We propose developing MPI Lymphography, a new imaging technique using MPI to directly detect SPIOs, providing clear and quantifiable SLN imaging before surgery. This project aims to optimize MPI SLN imaging in mice prior to its clinical application.
Key techniques used: cell culture, mouse handling/injections, MPI imaging, Horos image analysis, histology
Why this project?: This project was very exciting to me because of its novelty and potential clinical impact. Investigating MPI lymphography in preclinical models is a critical step toward translating this technology to clinical practice. Our collaborators at Magnetic Insight are translating MPI to the clinic by engineering the first human-sized head and neck MPI imager and we can anticipate that MPI will be used in patients in the near future!
Why Western?:I chose to pursue my PhD at Western University's Medical Biophysics Department because of its interdisciplinary research opportunities at the intersection of physics, biology, and engineering. In the Foster Lab, I have the privilege of working in one of the few labs globally equipped with an MPI scanner—and the only one in Canada. This access positions us at the forefront of advancing this technology for in-vivo cell tracking applications.
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Oneeb Hassan (*Dec/24, ohassa2@uwo.ca)
BSc in Medical Sciences, Western University
2nd year Master's Degree in Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Supervisor: Dr. Chris Pin, (Baker Center for Pancreatic Cancer, VFCC)
Project: Dysregulation of calcium (Ca2+) signaling is a critical factor in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. Aberrant Ca2+ signaling through pathways like store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) leads to elevated cytosolic Ca2+ levels. This increase in cytosolic Ca2+ is implicated in several key processes, including proliferation, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance in cancer cells. Our previous research has identified SPCA2C, a pancreas-specific protein, as a potential regulator of SOCE activation. To further elucidate its role in pancreatic pathology, we have generated a knockout mouse model and are currently investigating the impact of SPCA2C deficiency on pancreatic cancer initiation and progression.
Key Techniques Used: Live-cell calcium imaging, IF/IHC, RT-PCR and western blotting.
Why this project?: Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal disease (5-year survival rate < 12%) that is growing in prevalence. Identifying novel therapeutic targets will hopefully increase patient survival.
Why Western:I spent time doing research in this lab during my undergrad and enjoyed the lab dynamic. Also, having the opportunity to work in the hospital and see patients who can benefit from my research was very motivating.
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Megan Hong *(Dec/24, mhong32@uwo.ca)
BSc. in Medical Sciences, Western University
4th Year PhD Candidate in Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Supervisor: Dr. Saman Maleki (VFCC)
Project: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are immunotherapeutics that remove the “brakes” off the immune system to boost anti-tumour immune responses. One factor that influences the effectiveness of ICIs is the integrity of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway in cancer cells. Defects in this pathway can promote T-cell activation, rendering tumours more susceptible to anti-tumour immune responses. In various cancers, patients with MMR-deficient tumours respond better to ICIs, such as anti-PD1 therapy, than those with MMR-proficient tumours. While anti-PD1 therapy is approved for patients with advanced MMR-deficient solid tumours primarily as second-line therapy, only 30-40% of these patients respond to treatment. This highlights the need to understand the mechanisms underlying resistance to anti-PD1 therapy and develop novel strategies to treat non-responding patients. However, it is unclear whether MMR deficiency can affect earlier stages of anti-tumour immune responses, such as the activity of innate immune cells like macrophages. Macrophages play a crucial role in shaping anti-tumour immune responses, as they can either promote or suppress T-cell activation. My research will use pre-clinical models to explore how MMR deficiency affects the phenotype and function of macrophages in tumours and how this can play a role in the response to various ICIs. These findings will provide valuable insight into mechanisms underlying ICI response in MMR-deficient tumours and enable the selection of appropriate ICI therapies for these patients. Furthermore, this can lead to the development of combination therapies that target both innate and adaptive immune responses to improve patient outcomes.
Key Techniques Used: Flow cytometry, immune cell/tissue culture, magnetic cell isolation, mouse handling, ELISA
Why this project?: I have always been interested in understanding the role of the immune system in the context of disease progression. This project offered an exciting opportunity to explore the intricate relationship between the host immune response and cancer, with the goal of developing more effective immunotherapies to improve patient outcomes.
Why Western?: I chose Western University for its strong research programs and research centers spanning on-campus and hospital sites, offering a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge translational research.
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Katelyn MacNeil *(Dec/24, kmacne9@uwo.ca)
BSc. in Microbiology & Immunology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, NS
6th year PhD Candidate in Microbiology & Immunology, Supervisor: Dr. Joe Mymryk (Head & Neck Translational Cancer Unit, VFCC)
Project: The star of my research project is human adenovirus, which has the distinction as the first human virus shown to cause cancer, albeit in a rodent model. While there are no examples of adenoviruses as causative agents of human cancers, studying how the viral oncogene E1A, produced during adenovirus infection, regulates gene expression has provided invaluable insights into cancer development. In particular, I focus on how E1A hijacks two of our cellular proteins, CDK7 and CDK9, to promote viral gene expression. These findings on what the E1A oncoprotein targets could also inform us about pathways relevant to cancer.
Key Techniques Used: Co-immunoprecipitation, qPCR, luciferase assays, and western blot analysis.
Why This project?: I loved that this project would give me the opportunity to learn a variety of different research techniques and that it combined elements of virology, biochemistry, and genetics.
Why Western?: I came to Western University for Dr. Mymryk’s research program because I liked that it focused on the many different targets of the viral E1A oncoprotein.
______________________________________________________Jack Webb *(Dec/24, jwebb47@uwo.ca)
BMSc, Pathology & Pharmacology, Western University
4th year PhD Candidate, Supervisor: Dr. Trevor Shepherd (Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Unit, VFCC)
Project: research focuses on epithelial ovarian cancer, a deadly disease often diagnosed late and resistant to chemotherapy. I study ULK1, a protein crucial for cancer cell survival and spread, as it regulates autophagy, disease progression, and mitochondrial health. By targeting ULK1, we aim to uncover new therapies that disrupt cancer cells' survival mechanisms, slow their spread, and improve treatment outcomes.
Why this project?: My passion for understanding cancer biology and ovarian cancer cell survival and spread inspired me to expand on our lab's previous findings and further explore ULK1’s role in ovarian cancer progression and discover new treatment strategies.
Why Western?: I chose Western University for its exceptional research opportunities and supportive mentorship, which have been pivotal in advancing my ovarian cancer studies and developing my skills as an educator and academic leader.
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Timothy Yau *(Jan/24, timothy.yau@lhsc.on.ca)
BMSc. in Medical Sciences at Western University
4th Year PhD Candidate in Medical Biophysics, Supervisor: Dr Stewart Gaede
Project: For lung cancer patients, tumours are known to move with patient breathing. When treating cancers with radiation, this motion needs to be accounted for to ensure we do not uncessarily irradiate the surrounding healthy organs and tissues. My research focuses on the development of treatment techniques that would enable our machines to have the radiation beam track and follow the tumour during the treatment. This would allow for a more percise radiation delivery that would minimize treatment side effects and increase patient outcomes.
Key Techniques Used: 4D-CT and wide-volume dynamic CT (ie. volumetric 4D-CT) for lung tumour motion assessment, generative AI (ie. GAN models) for tumour tracking on x-ray images, biomechanical models (finite element modelling of the lung) for tumour tracking and time-series AI (RNN models for tumour motion prediction) for tumour tracking prediction from only surface detection, and external beam radiotherapy (VMAT, IMRT, DCA, etc.) for treatment delivery techniques.
Why this project?: The clinical problem presented here is something that can be simply stated, but remains complicated to solve. The fact that this seemingly "obvious" problem lacked any effective, low-cost solution told me that this would be an exciting project to navigate throughout my PhD.
Why Western?: Western offers one of the few CAMPEP accredited PhD programs in Ontario, which will enable me to continue to pursue a career as a medical physicist. Additionally, the program at Western allowed me to conduct research directly in the cancer centre, providing more hands-on opportunities to learn about how we treat patients here in London.
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Komila Zakirova (*Jan/24, kzakirov@uwo.ca)
HBSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Guelph
6th year PhD Candidate in Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Supervisor: Dr. Fred Dick (VFCC)
My project: My research focuses on the dormancy and spread of ovarian cancer spheroids, which are three-dimensional clusters of cancer cells. These spheroids are the primary cause of treatment resistance and disease relapse in patients diagnosed with high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). I investigate the molecular mechanisms that govern spheroid dormancy, with a particular focus on the roles of Netrin and Wnt signalling pathways. Our lab has identified these pathways as crucial for spheroid survival through genome-wide CRISPR screenings conducted in HGSC cell lines. To establish the function of survival genes from these pathways, I employ CRISPR-mediated gene editing alongside the cell culture model of dormancy that allows the replication of spheroid formation in vitro, similar to what is observed in ovarian cancer patients. Additionally, I perform xenograft experiments in immunocompromised mice to examine the dissemination of cancer cells and to model responses to therapeutic agents, enhancing our understanding of tumour behaviour and treatment effectiveness in vivo. Ultimately, my research aims to discover new avenues for developing targeted therapies to treat ovarian cancer and improve patient outcomes.
Why this project?: I have always been interested in the field of cancer biology, and this project offers an excellent opportunity to learn molecular biology techniques and enhance my critical thinking skills, which are essential for my development as a scientist.
Why Western?: I chose Western University primarily because of its innovative research programmes. I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to engage in advanced research in Dr. Dick’s lab, where pioneering projects and collaboration foster a dynamic environment for both academic and professional growth.
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