2022 GSK Award recognises cancer genetics researcher

An Australian researcher who is internationally recognised for her work on mapping the genetics of breast, ovarian and other cancers has been awarded the 2022 GSK Award for Research Excellence — one of the most prestigious and longstanding independently judged awards available to the Australian medical research community.

Professor Georgia Chenevix-Trench, currently a Distinguished Scientist at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, won the 2022 GSK ARE in recognition of her research investigating genetic predispositions to breast and ovarian cancer. Her research has elevated global understanding of why some people have a genetic risk to cancer and what determines it, and has also contributed to the development of better screening, possible prevention solutions and treatment options for patients.

Chenevix-Trench said that understanding the biology behind the genomes of cancer cells is key in improving patient outcomes, stating, “Over the last five years, my focus has been to understand how genetic variants act as a determining factor in developing breast cancer. Unless we know how these genomes operate in relation to cancerous cells, we won’t be able to translate the knowledge we have gained into tangible treatment options and preventative solutions for patients.”

The genome contains all the essential information needed for a cell to function and develop. When abnormal changes occur to the genome of cells in the body, this can trigger the development of cancer.

Chenevix-Trench and her team have identified genetic variants in over 240 regions of the genome that can affect a person’s risk of developing breast cancer. These genetic variants are a common occurrence within the general population and differ from the rare mutations previously linked to breast cancer. Women who carry these variants are at increased risk of developing breast cancer.

As each genome region consists of a number of genes, the next major challenge for the team is to identify which of these genes operate in human cancers. Chenevix-Trench said the $100,000 grant that comes with the GSK Award for Research Excellence will be used to purchase a new piece of equipment that enables real-time cell analysis.

“We’re currently undertaking research that looks at how certain genes influence the way cancerous cells or tumours are destroyed by the immune system. This is very exciting work. By gaining access to the new instrument, we will be able to accelerate our work and expand our insights into the behaviour of cancerous cells,” Chenevix-Trench said.

The award was presented to Chenevix-Trench last night at Research Australia’s Health and Medical Research Awards 2022 in Melbourne. Dr Alan Paul, Medical Director at GSK Australia, said GSK is proud to be able to continue supporting home-grown Australian research through the award.

“We are delighted to welcome Professor Georgia Chenevix-Trench to our esteemed list of the GSK ARE winners, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the health of Australians,” Paul said. “Georgia and her team are driving innovative research in cancer genetics that truly has the potential to improve health outcomes for cancer patients around the world.”

“I am looking forward to joining the legacy of this award and using my role as a leader in this industry to champion and support other female scientists in Australia,” Chenevix-Trench said.

Image caption: Professor Georgia Chenevix-Trench, the winner of the 2022 GSK Award for Research Excellence.

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