Lung Cancer
Understanding Lung Cancer: What You Need to Know
Receiving a lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. As the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, lung cancer remains a major health challenge, affecting thousands of individuals and their families each year. One of the biggest obstacles in treating lung cancer is that tumours often grow unnoticed for a long time before they are detected. This means we still have much to learn about how these tumors develop in their earliest stages.
Current Treatment Options
Lung cancer treatment typically includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The specific approach depends on the type of lung cancer (non-small cell or small cell), the stage of the disease, and the patient’s overall health. While treatment can help shrink tumors and slow progression, late-stage diagnoses remain a challenge, underscoring the need for research into earlier detection and more effective therapies.
At the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, we recognize how difficult this diagnosis can be for patients and their loved ones. That’s why our scientists are focused on uncovering new ways to detect and treat lung squamous cell carcinoma at its earliest, most vulnerable stages—before tumors become life-threatening.
How We’re Advancing Research
Our research is dedicated to understanding the biology of lung squamous cell carcinoma, particularly what happens in the very first stages of tumor development. To do this, we use a specialized cell culture system that mimics the airway lining using cells derived from human lung tissue. By blocking a key protein called p53—often referred to as the “Guardian of the Genome”—we can study how cells change in response to early cancerous mutations. Using functional experiments, advanced microscopy, and a broad survey of proteins, our goal is to gain critical insights into the earliest events in lung cancer development.
This research could pave the way for earlier detection methods, targeted prevention strategies, and new treatments that stop lung cancer before it takes hold.
Importance of Our Research Team
The innovative work of our PhD students is critical to advancing our understanding and treatment of lung cancer. Below, you’ll find detailed information about their projects and publications.
PhD Student Projects
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with much still to be discovered about its early development. Dr Siljee is investigating the very first stages of lung squamous cell carcinoma, focusing on changes that occur when the critical p53 protein (known as the "Guardian of the Genome") is blocked. Using advanced cell culture systems to mimic the airway lining with human-derived cells, his research aims to uncover the fundamental biological changes that occur at the earliest stages of cancer formation.
Stay up to date on Dr Siljee's progress by subscribing to our newsletter and joining the conversation on social media (links below)!
Research Focus:
Investigating early molecular changes in lung squamous cell carcinoma development using human cell culture models.
Current Thesis Title:
"p53 and Early Changes in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma"
Abstract:
As the leading cause of cancer deaths, there is still much to be learned about lung cancer. Understanding of lung squamous cell carcinoma—cancer of the lining of our airways—is hampered by the fact that lung tumours often grow for some time before they are big enough to be detected. This means that we lack insight into what happens at the very beginning of tumour development.
This project uses a cell culture system to mimic the airway lining using cells derived from human lung tissues. The p53 protein, also known as the "Guardian of the Genome," is blocked—leading to changes in the cells that may represent early cancer development. These changes are investigated using functional experiments, microscopy, and a broad survey of proteins to better understand the biology of the early stages of lung squamous cell carcinoma.
By identifying the earliest molecular changes that occur in lung cancer development, this research aims to uncover potential targets for earlier detection and more effective treatments, potentially improving outcomes for patients with this devastating disease.
Collaborate with Dr Siljee:
Researchers and clinicians with expertise in lung cancer, molecular biology, p53 signaling pathways, or early cancer detection are encouraged to connect and explore potential collaborations.
Published Work:
Expression of Angiotensin II Receptor 2 in Microcystic Lymphatic Malformation. Journal of Vascular Anomalies, 2021 – Read the Published Work
Expression of Components of the Renin-Angiotensin System by Cancer Stem Cells in Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma. Biomolecules, 2021 – Read the Published Work
Cancer Stem Cells in Metastatic Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Express Components of the Renin-Angiotensin System. Cells, 2022 – Read the Published Work
Cancer Stem Cells in Head and Neck Metastatic Malignant Melanoma Express Components of the Renin-Angiotensin System. Life, 2020 – Read the Published Work
Cancer Stem Cells in Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Express Cathepsins. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open, 2020 – Read the Published Work
Embryonic Stem Cell-like Subpopulations in Venous Malformation. Frontiers in Medicine, 2017 – Read the Published Work
Expression of the Components of the Renin-Angiotensin System in Venous Malformation. Frontiers in Surgery, 2016 – Read the Published Work
Collaborate With Us
Our research is built on collaboration and innovation. If you’re a scientist or industry professional interested in partnering with us or supporting our PhD students, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can push the boundaries of medical research and improve outcomes for patients with Glioblastoma.
📩 Contact us: info@gmri.org.nz
Support
Gillies McIndoe Research Institute is a Registered Charity (CC43660) relying mainly on private philanthropy, including donations, bequests, corporate champions, grants and scholarships. You can donate now or contact us to learn how you can support us and enable our research to continue.