The Molecular oncology team studies how particular genes influence the functions of normal and cancer cells. We aim to make discoveries that will help our cancer patients at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, both in terms of predicting their responses to new treatments and their risks of developing other cancers in future.  

We rely heavily on the use of patient samples for our research, which we obtain from cancer biobanks such as the Tumour Bank. We also conduct research on cancer biobanks to understand how they can operate more efficiently and sustainably, for the benefit of researchers, funding bodies and future patients.

Associate Professor Jennifer Byrne, Head of the Children’s Cancer Research Unit and leader of the Molecular Oncology Research Group, says of her career choice:

I entered research because it was the best job I could imagine. I want cancer patients to have better treatments and outcomes through our research.