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Title of Grant: "Advancing Liquid Biopsy Testing: Harnessing Epigenetics for Early Detection of Residual and Recurrent Breast Cancer'.

Funded by Cancer Council NSW - Value $ $488,116

Title of Project – Layman’s title: “Circulating Tumour DNA:  A Novel Epigenetic Blood Test to Detect and Monitor Breast Cancer Relapse”

What is the project about?

This project aims to develop a more sensitive approach to detecting breast cancer recurrence through blood samples – known as liquid biopsies – which allow doctors to find traces of cancer in a simple blood test without invasive tissue sampling.

While current blood tests for breast cancer look for specific DNA mutations, they do not work for all patients because up to 43% of breast cancers do not have detectable mutations.

This project instead is focusing on epigenetic markers – chemical modifications to DNA – which occur universally across all breast cancer types.

“The real advantage of our approach is that epigenetic changes like DNA methylation are present in all cancers and provide a breast cancer-specific signature,” says Associate Professor Stirzaker. “By detecting cancer DNA fragments circulating in blood, we aim to create a test that works for all breast cancer patients, potentially detecting recurrence months earlier than current methods, allowing earlier treatment options that may be more effective for improved outcomes.”

What can you tell us about yourself?

I am a Group leader of Epigenetic Deregulation in Cancer in the Cancer Ecosystems program at the Garvan Institute.  I have been in the field of epigenetics my entire career where my research focus has been twofold – to understand the mechanisms underpinning epigenetic alterations in cancer, and secondly, to use this knowledge to develop novel epigenetic biomarkers for prognosis, diagnosis, response to therapy and for disease surveillance. The development of new technologies is revolutionizing the insights and knowledge gain we are making in the field of epigenetics in cancer.

Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?

I love the outdoors and nature – bushwalking and visiting far off places – I have a real love for the nature of Africa that is home to the most extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna.