My research centers on the role of the tumour microenvironment (TME) in tumour progression and metastasis. My particular interest lies in one of the cellular componenets of the TME, the tumour associated macrophages (TAMs). I investigate TAM plasticity, heterogeneity and recruitment to the TME, and how TAM subsets change during tumour and metastasis progression. I am interested in identifying and describing tumour-ptomoting TAM substes for predictive and prognostic purpusoses and as therapeutic targets. I have also been investigating the versatile effects of cytokines, chemokines and inflammation in the tumour microenvironment. I am interetsed in using 3D models of the TME, including bioprinted models.

I have been studying epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumour progression and dissemination, including the induction and regulation of EMT, and the effects of antineoplastic and targeted therapies on the process.

I supervise projects that investigate how the tumour microenvironment impacts tumour growth and metastasis and how it responds to anti-cancer therapies. The projects focus on the interaction between tumour cells and tumour asscociated macrophages, and investigate macrophage heterogeneity and subpopulations during the course of tumour pogression and antineoplastic therapy. The protumoral subsets of macrophages are identified for therapeutic targeting.