Owen Group Research Overview
Oesophageal cancer monitoring
Using a whole genome methylation approach (TAPS), we quantify ctDNA at different therapeutic time points to assess treatment response, postoperative prognosis, and recurrence detection.
Human tissue models:
We have adapted the avatar ex vivo culture system (O’Neill lab) for oesophageal and gastric cancer. We are using this model to understand how immune checkpoint inhibition influences the tumour microenvironment in patients who respond both very well and poorly, and ways in which tumours can be manipulated into responsive phenotypes.