On November 7, 2024, the University of Melbourne and France's National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) announced the establishment of a new International Research Laboratory in Melbourne, aimed at enhancing cancer research collaboration. This initiative consolidates the existing partnership between Professor Frédéric Hollande's cancer laboratory at the University of Melbourne and Dr. Patrick Mehlen's team at CNRS in Lyon.
Located at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC), the laboratory, named 'PHANTOM' (Plasticity, Heterogeneity and Tumour Microenvironment), will utilize cutting-edge technology to investigate how single cancer cells evolve within the body, aiming to uncover the underlying causes of cancer formation and adaptation.
Professor Hollande emphasized the laboratory's focus on understanding the genetic and non-genetic mechanisms that enable cancers to adapt and develop resistance, particularly in challenging cases like metastatic colorectal and pancreatic cancers. 'Through our partnership, we hope to make new discoveries in cancer biology that can more quickly be translated into therapies for patients,' he stated.
Dr. Mehlen added that the lab will also explore innovative drugs capable of countering tumor adaptability and resistance to existing treatments. 'Combining our expertise in reactivating embryonic processes in cancer with Professor Hollande's insights into tumor heterogeneity and treatment resistance, we are ideally positioned to make discoveries,' he noted.
University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Duncan Maskell expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting its potential to address critical challenges in cancer research. 'We're excited to expand our longstanding partnership with CNRS, fostering greater collaboration and innovation between France and Australia,' he remarked.
CNRS Chairman and CEO Antoine Petit described the establishment of the 'PHANTOM' laboratory as a significant advancement in oncology research. 'This collaboration epitomizes our commitment to tackling pressing global health challenges through international cooperation,' he said.
The CNRS International Research Laboratories are designed to unite researchers, students, postdoctoral fellows, engineers, and technicians from partner institutions, facilitating collaborative research on shared scientific objectives. CNRS stands as Europe's largest fundamental science agency, leading in various fields of research to address current global challenges.