Forever Young: Reversing intestinal aging to prevent bowel cancer [Video]

Although new therapies have improved patient outcomes, cancer still carries with it a significant morbidity and mortality burden. Driven by the famous quote from Dutch philosopher Desiderius Eramus; ‘prevention is better than the cure’, Dr Lochlan Fennell is dedicated to identifying the drivers of cancer, and targeting these processes before the cancer occurs.

“Cancer care has three main pillars: Prevention, treatment, and survivorship,” says Lochlan. “We have made incredible ground in treating cancers in Australia. But by focusing on prevention, we can put an end to the tremendous stress, pain and suffering that is associated with a cancer diagnosis.”

Dr Lochlan Fennell’s current project focuses on cellular reprogramming technology to reverse cell aging, and examining whether this approach can prevent gene mutations that lead to cancer.

Lochlan proposes that cellular reprogramming of epithelium
(the thin tissue forming the outer layer of a body’s surface) to a youthful state increases the competitive advantage of normal epithelial cells and prevents abnormal growth of tissues that could be cancerous.

This research project has the potential to pave the way for personalised treatment and chemopreventative approaches tailored to the unique characteristics of aged patients.