Ellie Mok

What is your current research focused on?

My project (under the supervision of Prof. Thomas Cox and Dr. Jessica Chitty at the Garvan) aims deepen our understanding, and improve targeting of the fibrotic/desmoplastic response in pancreatic tumours to improve current poor survival outcome. Previous work from the lab has shown the therapeutic potential of using small molecule inhibitors targeting the copper-dependent matrix-crosslinking lysyl oxidase enzymes, which improve chemotherapy efficacy in pre-clinical models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Based on this, I am testing an alternative ways to inhibit this family of enzymes by targeting their dependence on copper. At the same time, I am also studying the post-transcriptional profile changes in the stromal compartment of tumours during the development of chemoresistance in pancreatic tumours. This will potentially uncover novel matrix effectors that are associated with how tumours respond to different chemotherapies, and identify novel avenues to manipulate and improve sensitivity to treatment.

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What is your study background and when did you decide you wanted to be a research scientist?

I completed my Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) at University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), where I gained a deep knowledge in pathology. My interest in research arises during the Honours project that I learnt to think critically and perform various experimental techniques. In 2022, I joined the Cox Lab as a research assistant where I was given a lot of opportunities to be involved in multiple projects in the lab. I was particularly interested in one of the projects and working closely with Jess which encouraged me to stay and pursue a PhD.

 

What attracted you to cancer research?

Cancer is an incredibly heterogeneous disease, and I find it fascinating how each patient can respond so differently to the same cancer type and treatment. I enjoy learning new things and knowing that there are new technologies being developed constantly so I want to be able to contribute to this collective effort in improving current patient outcome.

 

Why do you think research on metastases is important?

Most cancer patients die due to the complications of tumours metastasising to secondary organs. Due to the vague symptoms and lack of early detection protocol available, around 80% PDAC patients present in the clinic with metastatic advanced stages of disease, dramatically reducing the 5-year survival rate to below 5%. Being such an aggressive and invasive cancer, deepening our understanding on the mechanisms of metastatic spread, as well as therapeutic interventions that can slow down and even eliminate metastatic disease will provide a huge improvement in current patients’ experience with cancer.

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What do you find exciting about your research work?

I find the translational element in my work particularly exciting. Part of my work focuses on testing the therapeutic potential of a drug that is already FDA-approved and routinely used in the clinic for a non-cancer disease. Seeing its efficacy in our PDAC pre-clinical models, it motivates me to come to the lab knowing there is real life application in my work.

 

What do you hope to achieve in your research career?

I am passionate about pursuing a career in researching cancer metastasis, with a particular focus on drug repurposing targeting the extracellular matrix. My current project has deepened my interest in this area, and I hope to contribute to the discovery of new treatments that can be translated into clinical practice for patients with metastatic cancer.

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Any additional comments?

Thank you to the OzMRS committee for the opportunity of giving an oral presentation at the recent 2025 ECR symposium! I am looking forward to connecting with other metastasis researchers in the next meeting.

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