Colorectal Translational Research Group, Department of Surgical Sciences

CTRG researchers.

The Colorectal Translational Research Group (CTRG) formalises a successful collaboration that incorporates research expertise from a broad range of disciplines including surgery, medical oncology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, immunology, and experimental pathology.

The CTRG is a collaboration of researchers from the Departments of Surgical Sciences, Medicine, Pathology, and Preventive and Social Medicine (the Hugh Adam Cancer Epidemiology Unit) at the Dunedin School of Medicine, and the Cancer Genetics Laboratory and Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Otago School of Medical Sciences.

Colorectal cancer is a major cause of cancer-related mortality in New Zealand. Collaboration enables CTRG researchers to share resources to undertake research with the ultimate aim of improving cancer outcomes.

Objectives

Microscopic image of T-cells in a colorectal cancer tumour with different types of cells labeled in different colours.

To maximise research opportunities into colorectal cancer
To provide a strong clinical base for laboratory-based research by recruiting patients into studies and procuring tissue samples linked to clinical outcome data
To promote the translation of laboratory discoveries into the clinical environment

Main research areas

Genetic and epigenetic factors in colorectal cancer
Prognostic tests for colorectal cancer
Immune response to colorectal cancer
Immunotherapy for colorectal cancer
Immune mechanisms in Crohn's disease
Clinical trials

The CTRG's work contributes to the broader goals of the University of Otago's Centre for Translational Cancer Research, and promotes synergies with other research groups in New Zealand.

Visit the Centre for Translational Cancer Research website

The CTRG team.