Supervisor:
Program of study:
MSc, Pathology
Project title:
Defining how the ovarian cancer tumour microenvironment’s metabolic state directs natural killer cell function
Scholarships and/or awards:
- Canada Graduate Scholarship – Master’s (CGS-M) (2024)
- Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship – Master’s (NSGS-M) (2023)
Lay research summary:
High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most common and most deadly type of ovarian cancer, and it is often undetected before it has spread and become difficult to treat. Immunotherapy, which is a treatment involving immune cells, shows potential in other cancer types but, so far, it has not worked in HGSC. Our focus is on natural killer (NK) cells, a strong cancer-killing immune cell that appears to stop functioning once inside an HGSC tumour. This research will help us to understand how to best support and activate NK cells in patients with HGSC so that they can function to their fullest potential and fight these tumours.
Career Aspirations:
I would like to continue working in the cancer research space with the goal of improving outcomes for patients with hard-to-treat cancers. My Master’s thesis will focus on high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) and the impacts of the immune system, so I have a particular interest in how immunity plays a role in cancer. I am hoping to learn more about career opportunities and build my network through participation in BHCRI’s cancer research training program (CRTP).
Location:
Dalhousie University
Publications:
DeCoste, R. C., Carter, M. D., Ly, T. Y., Gruchy, J. R., Nicolela, A. P., & Pasternak, S. (2023). Merkel cell carcinoma: an update. Human pathology, 140, 39–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humpath.2023.03.004
Pugh-Toole, M., Nicolela, A. P., Nersesian, S., Leung, B. M., & Boudreau, J. E. (2022). Natural Killer Cells: the Missing Link in Effective Treatment for High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma. Current treatment options in oncology, 23(2), 210–226. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11864-021-00929-x