Lab focus: Clinical data, clinical trials and biomarkers

Our specific research interests include:

• Tumour biomarker research to predict cancer behaviour
• Blood biomarker research, including prospective randomised trials, to better define risk of recurrence after surgery and to improve treatment selection
• Laboratory models, including testing miniature cancers derived from patient biopsies, to predict response to treatment
• Collecting comprehensive patient, treatment and outcome data to better measure quality and to identify opportunities for improved cancer treatment
• Registry based clinical trials to improve and optimise use of available therapies

Research interest

There are three clear areas of focus for the translational research undertaken by the Gibbs lab.

We lead national and international cancer registries that capture comprehensive patient, tumour, treatment and outcome data for all major solid cancers. This data is used to enable audit and research, including supporting the novel concept of registry based clinical trials in oncology collection and translational research by combining data and tissue based research.

We lead multiple international randomised trials to define the potential of ctDNA as a marker of minimal residual disease to determine recurrence risk and to optimise adjuvant therapy.

We have initiated studies of patient derived tumour organoids, with the ultimate aim of in vitro sensitivity testing being used to guide clinical treatment selection.

Each program is led by a medical oncologist with appropriate sub-speciality expertise and substantial clinical appointments, with the ultimate focus being clinical relevance and impact.