Australia Japan Foundation - Southern Cross University (Croaker)

Dr Andy Croaker, PhD student at Southern Cross University in collaboration with Griffith University, School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, received two cell lines which were funded under the Australia-Japan foundation initiative for his project: Assessing Topical Therapy Constituent Normal and Skin Cancer Cell Cytotoxicity in 2D and 3D In vitro models. He described his study below:

“Existing therapies such as 5-FU; Imiquimod and Ingenol Mebutate are currently used to treat actinic keratoses and non-invasive forms of skin cancer such as intra-epidermal carcinoma and superficial basal cell carcinoma. The potential for synergistic activity and toxicity of these compounds has not been assessed using 3D models. In addition patients are increasingly utilizing alternative topical skin cancer therapeutics of unknown safety and efficacy. Black salve is one such product that has raised concerns due to it causing extensive tissue necrosis and treatment failure resulting in death.

Our initial focus will be cytotoxicity testing the alkaloids present in black salve. The cell lines will be used to establish a platform for cytotoxicity testing pharmaceutical and natural products often used by rural patients to self-manage skin cancers. This will help determine the potential normal cell toxicity and cancer specificity of topical therapies which will help in drug discovery and assessing product safety.”

"Japan-derived cell-lines for Australia-based preclinical Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) research” is supported by the Australian Government through the Australia-Japan Foundation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.