Convocation Newsletter, Summer 2019

The Roots of Cancer For more than a decade, the international medical community has puzzled over the connection between stem cells and cancer – and whether related research can lead to a cure. Stem cells are often in the news for their potential in regenerative medicine. However, cancer stems cells – or a special subset of cells within cancerous tumours – are different. Dr Ma, an award-winning young researcher, calls these cancer stem cells “the bad guys”. Their ability to self- renew and differentiate – essentially to create copies of themselves or different cell types – makes cancer harder to treat. Cancer stem cells are more resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and can lie dormant before causing relapses years later. “Cancers are like the dandelions in the backyard,” she said. “You can cut the flowers off all you want; but unless you cut off the roots, they can always grow back.” The “roots” of the disease lie with cancer stem cells. One focus for Dr Ma’s team is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This type of liver cancer has proven resistant to conventional therapies, has a high level of recurrence, and often has a poor prognosis. Asia is a world leader in liver cancer, with 80% of global cases occurring on the continent. Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in Hong Kong, according to the Government’s Centre for Health Protection. “Cancer affects most of us, including myself, through family and friends. It has always been a subject I’ve taken close to heart.” Dr Stephanie Ma 馬桂宜 (HKU PhD 2007) Associate Professor, School of Biomedical Sciences Founding Member, The Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences WHAT NEXT? Dr Ma’s team have identified markers for liver cancer stem cells and are investigating what makes them more resistant to treatment. Her ultimate goal is to develop new treatments targeted at cancer stemness and to translate the biomedical discoveries of her lab into better patient care in the clinic. Convocation Newsletter 3