Cancer Program

Our focus areas

We investigate the microbiome’s role in cancer development, progression, and treatment, leveraging national and international collaborations to drive innovation in diagnostics, therapeutics, and prevention strategies.

🔬 Colon Cancer – In collaboration with global leaders, including WEHI, Westmead Hospital, CUHK, and Newcastle University (UK), We are identifying microbial signatures to enhance current diagnostic tests for colon cancer, enabling earlier detection and prevention. We also secured funding from Cancer Australia to advance next-generation biotherapeutics for colorectal cancer.

🔬 Gastric Cancer – As a key contributor to the global strategy for gastric cancer prevention through IARC, we focus on understanding the gastric microbiome’s role in cancer pathogenesis, prognosis, and prevention.

🔬 Head & Neck Cancer – In partnership with St George Hospital and ANSTO, we investigate microbiome-related biomarkers and therapeutic targets to improve treatment outcomes.

🔬 Pancreatic Cancer – Supported by funding from the Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group, we collaborate on the MASTERPLAN and NEO-IMPACT clinical trials to explore microbiome-driven treatment strategies.

🔬 Lung Cancer – Researching the microbiome’s role in lung cancer and environmental exposures in collaboration with Woolcock Institute and ADRI.

🔬 Other Cancers – Ongoing projects in breast cancer (St George Hospital, Garvan Institute)

Our research transforms microbiome science into real-world clinical impact, improving cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Leadership and Expertise

Dr. Howard Yim, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow, leads the Cancer Theme at the Microbiome Research Centre.

With over 13 years of experience in microbiology, immunology, and microbiome research, Dr. Yim has held key roles in regulatory and industry settings, including as a Specialist Advisor at the Therapeutic Goods Administration and an Industry Advisor for the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park Corporate Venture Fund.

His expertise in translational research ensures that our work bridges the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application.

Enquire about collaborating with the Microbiome Research Centre