About the project
One of the most promising new drugs, venetoclax, has given hope to many patients, especially those who cannot tolerate chemotherapy. However, many patients stop responding to venetoclax over time, and their cancer comes back. Finding ways to overcome this resistance is one of the biggest challenges in AML treatment today.
Current research has discovered why some AML patients stop responding to venetoclax. The research found that a novel membrane receptor is much higher in patients whose cancer is resistant. Jessica’s research will study this membrane receptor to understand how it drives venetoclax resistance, aiming to restore its overall effectiveness. Understanding the mechanisms that drive this venetoclax resistance opens new avenues for better patient outcomes and survival.
About the researcher
Based at Adelaide University, Jessica Bowden has been working as a pathology scientist for the last nine years and throughout this time realised her passion for Haematology and Transfusion Medicine. During the final year of her Medical Science degree, she gained valuable research experience within a Haematology Malignancies laboratory. This has given her insight into the research aspect of AML, including treatment resistance and challenges. Jessica wishes to focus on overcoming venetoclax resistance to increase the survival of AML patients.
