Alexandra Fiala

Alexandra Fiala

Email: af3456@hallam.shu.ac.uk
Research Centre: Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre (BMRC)
Research Group: Cancer Group
PhD Thesis Title: Illuminating tissue barriers leading to treatment resistance and bowel cancer recurrence.
Director of Studies: Dr. Nicholas Peake
Supervisors: Dr. Simon Turega

Collaborators: Bowel Research UK

RESEARCH

Colorectal cancer recurrence is a major challenge in cancer treatment. Despite advances in chemotherapy and surgery, many patients experience cancer returning after treatment.

This research investigates the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which surrounds cancer cells and can become stiff, preventing treatments from effectively reaching tumours. This stiffness contributes to drug resistance and cancer recurrence. 3D mini-tumour models are being developed to replicate the tumour environment, allowing for research into ECM stiffness and its impact on treatment resistance.

A key focus is on the enzyme Transglutaminase-2 (TG2), which stiffens the ECM by creating irreversible cross-links, and is linked to poor outcomes in colorectal cancer patients. By inhibiting TG2, ECM stiffness is reduced, and treatment effectiveness is enhanced. Additionally, we aim to investigate whether light-activated drugs could break down those cross-links. This could improve drug delivery and potentially prevent cancer from returning, paving the way for improved patient outcomes.