A/Prof David Croucher

What is your current research focused on?

My current research is focused on the development of new drugs and new treatment strategies for two aggressive tumour types – high-risk neuroblastoma and triple-negative breast cancer. Our work aims to understand the highly drug-resistant state occurring within relapsed, metastatic cells and leverage this to find new ways to prevent and target these diseases.
 

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

I completed my PhD at the University of Wollongong, followed by postdoctoral positions at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and Systems Biology Ireland. These studies all focused upon elements of cancer biology - moving from the functional analysis of oncogenic proteins through to the development of network-based modelling and simulation approaches.

I decided I wanted to be a research scientist after watching an episode of ‘Behind The News’ as a 10 year old. The episode was about genetic engineering and sparked an interest in science and research that continued through to university, leading me to undertake a Bachelor of Biotechnology degree at the University of Wollongong.

 

What attracted you to cancer research?

I first undertook a cancer research project during my Honours year, and until then didn’t have a firm idea of which direction I wanted to pursue. Within this project I focused on breast cancer and came to understand how many people, and their families, are impacted by this disease. This prompted me to undertake a PhD in cancer research, trying to understand what drives tumour progression and find new ways to treat cancer.

 

Why do you think research on metastases is important?

Research on metastases is important because metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related death. If we are to make progress in the treatment of cancer, it will be crucial to understand the biology underlying the growth of metastases, which can often be fundamentally different to the original primary tumour.

This research is also increasingly important from the viewpoint of patients, their families and carers – as the possibility of cancer returning weighs heavily on patients long after treatment ends. The fear of relapse can shape daily life, affect mental health, and diminish confidence in the future. By understanding how metastases grow and cancer returns we can develop therapies that reduce this uncertainty and offer patients greater reassurance.

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What do you find exciting about your research work?

In our research we’re trying to discover new biology and develop new drugs. The process of discovery is slow and painstaking, but can also be exciting and rewarding knowing that any progress we make might be able to help people with cancer.

 

What do you hope to achieve in your research career?

I hope that the new drugs that we’re developing for children with high-risk neuroblastoma and women with triple-negative breast cancer will proceed into the clinic and make a difference for these patients and their families.