Natalia Vukelic

What is your current research focussed on?

My PhD project seeks to understand how a protein called Glutathione Peroxidase 2 (GPX2) influences treatment resistance and survival outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC). Utilising a variety of methodologies, including in vitro work, analysis of clinical data, and patient samples, we have established a direct link between GPX2 and the chemotherapy and radiation responsiveness of CRCs. Furthermore, we have identified that GPX2 expression is significantly altered in metastatic CRC patients, which may create a therapeutic vulnerability, rendering this subset sensitive to treatments involving reactive oxygen species (ROS). I aim to further understand whether GPX2 expression can be used as a predictive biomarker in metastatic CRC.

 

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

My enduring curiosity about unravelling the intricacies of cancer and my dedication to alleviating its global burden have steered my career towards research. From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by science, the human body, and how it functions, ultimately influencing my choice of undergraduate degree.

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Armed with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree from La Trobe University, I had three main career options in mind and was encouraged to pursue medical research as it suited my interests, curiosity, and skills. In 2019, I secured a research assistant role at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, positioning me at the intersection of laboratories and clinical wards. This experience ignited my passion for making impactful, real-world contributions, leading me to complete an honours year and commit to a career as a research scientist.

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My honours research project focused on identifying a novel therapeutic target in poor-prognosis colorectal cancers. In my recently submitted PhD, I delved deeper into characterizing this therapeutic target and its potential as a predictive biomarker of treatment response. 

 

What attracted you to cancer research?

I consider myself a lifelong learner, and cancer research certainly provides its share of unknowns, problems to solve, improvements to be made, and questions to be asked! The multidisciplinary nature of cancer research—blending biology, genetics, medicine, and technology—offers endless opportunities for learning and innovation.

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My interest in cancer research is also rooted in a deep fascination with the complexities of the disease. I’d describe cancer as a formidable adversary, marked by diversity and adaptability, which presents unique scientific challenges that are both daunting and mentally invigorating. I am particularly drawn to the potential of translating laboratory discoveries into clinical applications, directly benefiting patients. The prospect of being part of a community that tirelessly works to unravel the mysteries of cancer, improve treatment options, and ultimately save lives is profoundly motivating!

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Ultimately, it is the combination of scientific curiosity and the possibility of making a tangible difference that attracted me to cancer research.

 

Why do you think research on metastases is important?

Put simply, metastasis is the reason why we lose so many loved ones to cancer. While, as a collective, we get caught up in finding novel treatments that kill cancer cells more effectively, discovering new drug combinations that improve survival outcomes (even though often only marginally), or reducing the toxicity and side effects of current treatments, the key to a significant leap in patient outcomes lies in a comprehensive and thorough understanding of metastasis. If through research we could effectively target this process, it would dramatically reduce deaths from cancer. This is what we all aim for and are working tirelessly towards.

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What do you find exciting about your research work?

I love that I have the privilege to work on a translational research project, interacting with both basic researchers and clinicians. It is highly motivating to know that my work has the potential to improve outcomes for individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The most exciting part is moving beyond cells in a dish; when I started exploring clinical data and using human samples, I could validate that our target directly impacts treatment responsiveness. Sharing these results with the scientific community, clinicians, and consumers is very rewarding. Seeing their enthusiasm, discussing potential collaborations, and sparking new ideas fuels my drive to keep problem-solving and advancing the research. It’s a joy to have these lightbulb moments and to share them with others!

 

What do you hope to achieve in your research career?

I would like to meaningfully contribute to the industry and aim to build a career centered around extending the lives and improving the quality of life for people living with, and beyond, cancer.

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Any additional comments? 

I would like to thank OzMRS for the opportunity to present at the 2023 symposium. As a student, this experience enabled me to practice presenting my work in front of a scientific audience, allowing me to receive valuable feedback on my research project. Attending also allowed me to hear from experts in the field, equipping me with ideas on how to progress my research into exploring the impact of GPX2 in determining outcomes in metastatic colorectal cancer.

 

In addition to attending the symposium, the generous award allowed me to attend the recent AusMedTech 2024 conference in Adelaide. There, I learned more about how to transition novel research ideas from bench to bedside. This invaluable experience broadened my way of thinking and honed my networking skills. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the talks and interacting with scientists, consumers, and health professionals. I even received some great advice I’ll be able to use throughout my career on how to design an engaging scientific presentation for a broad audience!

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