Dr Fran Boyle, Dr Nick Pavlakis, Ms Rozelle Harvie, Ms Susan Murphy-Poulton, Dr Helen Wheeler, Prof Ross Davey

The aim of the Translational Research program is to fast-track our laboratory research into clinical practice. This mainly involves pre-clinical studies to collect information on which to base a clinical trial. The program also carries out phase I and phase II clinical trials. The focus for this program comes from our laboratory-based research programs.

Thalidomide is being investigated for its effectiveness in treating brain cancer. Part of this study involves an analysis of the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of thalidomide. Such an understanding should provide a more informed approach to its use in cancer treatment.

The potential of thalidomide is also being assessed in two parallel phase II trials for mesothelioma a disease for which there is no standard of management. The positive effect of thalidomide on quality of life is one of the components of these trials.
A phase II clinical trial is in the planning phase to determine the potential of MSG to prevent peripheral neuropathy.