IDENTIFICATION, CHARACTERISATION AND ROLE OF LEADER CELLS IN OVARIAN CANCER PROGRESSION
Dr Maree Bilandzic, Research Group Head
Metastasis Biology & Therapeutics Laboratory
Hudson Institute of Medical Research,
Clayton, Victoria, Australia
RESEARCHER PROFILE
Filmed in Clayton, Victoria, Australia | December 2024
Dr. Maree Bilandzic is a molecular cancer biologist dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of ovarian cancer (OC). Her research addresses critical gaps in OC treatment by investigating the mechanisms behind metastasis, chemotherapy resistance, and tumour recurrence. By utilising innovative methodologies and disease-representative models, Dr. Bilandzic has pioneered the identification and characterisation of leader cells (LCs)—a unique, stem-like subpopulation within tumours that plays a crucial role in OC progression.
LCs facilitate “collective invasion,” enabling tumour cells to spread by interacting with their environment and influencing immune responses. Importantly, Dr. Bilandzic’s research demonstrated that these LCs are resistant to standard therapies and become more prevalent following treatment. Despite their significance, there are currently no targeted therapies for LCs, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies.
Her work focuses on meeting the unmet clinical needs of patients with metastatic and therapy-resistant OC. By disrupting LCs, Dr. Bilandzic’s team has shown enhanced chemosensitivity, limited tumor spread, and altered immune responses—demonstrating the therapeutic potential of targeting LCs.
She has over $3.5 million in commercial funding and additional support exceeding $2 million from organisations such as the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, CASS Foundation, Fielding Foundation, Equity Trustees and Perpetual Impact grants. Dr. Bilandzic is well-positioned to expand her research into other epithelial cancers, aiming to develop effective treatments that can significantly improve patient outcomes across multiple cancer types. Key areas of focus include understanding LC roles in immune modulation, invasion, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance.
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Biological interactions of extracellular vesicles
Raluca Ghebosu graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science with majors in Japanese and Biomedical Science (2018-2021). She then completed her Bachelor of Science (Honours) with the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Queensland in 2022, before pursuing a PhD with A/Prof. Joy Wolfram at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology.
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Antimicrobial technologies & drug delivery platforms
Dr Aaron Elbourne is an ARC DECRA Fellow, Jack Brockhoff ECR Fellow, and Associate Professor within the School of Science at STEM Hub. A leader in nanomaterials, soft matter science, and interface research, Aaron’s work addresses critical challenges in health and the environment.
With a strong focus on translational research, Aaron’s work bridges the gap between fundamental science and practical applications. His leadership in creating innovative technologies, fostering academic-industry partnerships, and empowering future researchers underscores his commitment to advancing science and creating a meaningful impact.
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Better biomarkers for predicting the incidence of having atherosclerosis and heart attack
Assoc Prof Bursill is a vascular biologist with interests and expertise in vascular inflammation, atherosclerosis and angiogenesis. She completed her PhD at The University of Adelaide in lipid metabolism then headed to Oxford University for five years to undergo a postdoctoral post in the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine and Pathology. Her postdoctoral time triggered her interest in the mechanisms that cause atherosclerosis and in particular the role of small inflammatory proteins called chemokines.
