Riding For My Research
When Flinders University cancer researcher Dr Ashley Hopkins jumped on his bike to join the 2019 SA Discovery Tour, he was overwhelmed by the support those riding alongside him gave to his research.
“The Tour de Cure family is amazing,” Dr Hopkins says.
“As a researcher that spends a lot of time at my computer, it was a humbling experience to see the dedication of the broader community towards cancer research and improving the lives of those with the disease.”
Dr Hopkins is using funds raised during the 2019 ride to carry out Machine Learning – a form of artificial intelligence – to help predict treatment outcomes from anticancer drugs used in patients with advanced or metastatic cancers.
It’s one of the world’s first research projects to analyse the CancerLinQ Database – a collection of information from over 1.7 million cancer patients – and it aims to enable patients and clinicians to make better decisions regarding commencing and continuing anticancer medicines used in the treatment of advanced lung and breast cancer.
“The therapeutic benefits and adverse effects of medicines can vary greatly between patients,”
“Modelling this big data is an opportunity to provide more realistic expectations of the benefits and harms from therapy and help alleviate stress associated with uncertainty, while also improving shared decision-making and empowering patients and clinicians to select the most appropriate medicine.”
Dr Hopkins is currently writing research papers on findings from this Tour de Cure funded research, which used this data to look at the effectiveness of the drug atezolizumab in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma who use antacid medicines at the same time.
His work is also looking at personalised predictions of treatment outcomes in patients with advanced breast cancer according to their body mass index (BMI).
“This research is among the most detailed on the links between antacids and poor responses to immunotherapies, as well as exploring an obesity paradox between early and advanced breast cancer,” Dr Hopkins says.
Just a casual rider two years ago, the Tour de Cure experience has transformed Dr Hopkins into a keen cyclist who now regularly leads training rides, and he’s now looking forward to joining Tour de Cure once again on the SA Discovery Tour from 9-11 April.
You can support research research at Flinders Donate Now
More News
Jane’s Wish – the Jane Watson Ramsey PhD Scholarship in Multiple Myeloma Research
Ali Habib, recipient of the inaugural Jane Watson Ramsey PhD Scholarship in Multiple Myeloma Research, says Jane and Bill’s generosity is providing him with the opportunity to make a difference for people living with the incurable disease.
Jane’s Wish – the Jane Watson Ramsey PhD Scholarship in Multiple Myeloma Research
Ali Habib, recipient of the inaugural Jane Watson Ramsey PhD Scholarship in Multiple Myeloma Research, says Jane and Bill’s generosity is providing him with the opportunity to make a difference for people living with the incurable disease.
The Ryan Hodges Scholarship in Precision Dosing
The Ryan Hodges Scholarship in Precision Dosing has been established in memory of Ryan, who passed away in October 2021.
The Ryan Hodges Scholarship in Precision Dosing
The Ryan Hodges Scholarship in Precision Dosing has been established in memory of Ryan, who passed away in October 2021.
Giving hope to people with brain cancer
Often, by the time a person is diagnosed with brain cancer, it’s too late to cure them. It’s typically only when the cancer has progressed to a stage that it causes physical symptoms, like blurred vision, slurred speech or a lack of balance, that a person seeks medical attention.
Giving hope to people with brain cancer
Often, by the time a person is diagnosed with brain cancer, it’s too late to cure them.
Flinders Foundation welcomes Linda Williams APM to Board of Directors
The Chair of Flinders Foundation Alan Young AM is pleased to announce that South Australia Police (SAPOL) Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams APM has joined Flinders Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Flinders Foundation welcomes Linda Williams APM to Board of Directors
The Chair of Flinders Foundation Alan Young AM is pleased to announce that South Australia Police (SAPOL) Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams APM has joined Flinders Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Bespoke cameras keeping newborn babies, families connected
New bespoke camera technology will provide comfort and reduce stress for families of premature babies in the Flinders Medical Centre Neonatal Unit.
Bespoke cameras keeping newborn babies, families connected
New bespoke camera technology will provide comfort and reduce stress for families of premature babies in the Flinders Medical Centre Neonatal Unit.
Flinders researchers receive prestigious awards
Flinders University researchers Dr Yee Lian Chew and Dr Ash Hopkins have been recognised for their research excellence and enthusiasm for science communication, named in the Young Tall Poppy Science Awards for 2021.
Flinders researchers receive prestigious awards
Flinders University researchers Dr Yee Lian Chew and Dr Ash Hopkins have been recognised for their research excellence and enthusiasm for science communication, named in the Young Tall Poppy Science Awards for 2021.
Meet the new Cancer Wellness Centre Project Manager
We are excited to introduce the new Project Manager of the Cancer Wellness Centre, Amy Underdown.
Meet the new Cancer Wellness Centre Project Manager
There is a new, smiling face to greet patients and families at the Cancer Wellness Centre at Flinders Medical Centre.
Improving the lives of children with glaucoma
Thanks to generous supporters of eye health at Flinders, researchers are hoping to improve the lives of children with glaucoma by identifying genes which lead to more severe outcomes, while also focusing on methods to improve quality of life for patients, and their families.
Improving the lives of children with glaucoma
Thanks to generous supporters of eye health at Flinders, researchers are hoping to improve the lives of children with glaucoma by identifying genes which lead to more severe outcomes, while also focusing on methods to improve quality of life for patients, and their families.
Drakes Supermarkets giving patients with advanced cancers the best chance of survival
Drakes Supermarkets are giving patients with advanced cancers the best chance of survival and precious time to spend with their loved ones.
Drakes Supermarkets giving patients with advanced cancers the best chance of survival
Drakes Supermarkets are giving patients with advanced cancers the best chance of survival and precious time to spend with their loved ones.
Mary Overton Fellowship: Worms the key to understanding brains
New research at Flinders is using tiny worms to understand how human brains learn, with hopes of helping those with chronic pain and neurodegenerative disorders.
Mary Overton Fellowship: Worms the key to understanding brains
New research at Flinders is using tiny worms to understand how human brains learn, with hopes of helping those with chronic pain and neurodegenerative disorders.