Priyakshi Kalita-de Croft 30th Lorne Cancer Conference 2018

Priyakshi Kalita-de Croft

I was trained in Pathophysiology of kidney disease and preclinical models in my PhD at the University of Otago, New Zealand. I relocated to Australia and since pursuing an active postdoctoral research career in 2017 I have applied my expertise of Pathology, Molecular Biology and disease modelling to establish preclinical models and identify new biomarkers for secondary brain cancers. I use intra-cranial preclinical models, multi-omic tools, innovative technologies such as profiling multiple proteins within the same clinical sample simultaneously to meet my research objectives. I am also collaborating with UQ Diamantina institute researchers to conduct ex-vivo T-cell assays on clinical samples for examining potential vaccine targets for secondary brain cancer or brain metastasis. As an early career postdoctoral researcher I have contributed to understanding the tumour adaptations within the brain that helps the tumour cell survive. I have identified biomarkers within secondary brain cancer and triple-negative breast cancers that have the potential to be developed as vaccine targets. My research work has been published in eminent journals such as Theranostics, Journal of Pathology and Therapeutic Advances of Medical Oncology. My dedication to improving the lives of women with secondary brain cancer have led to a recent recognition as the Rose-Anne Kelso Commemorative award in November 2019. I want to continue my research journey towards this noble cause and make a difference with my research.