Michael Dickinson Q&A

Michael Dickinson
Professor, Lead of Aggressive Lymphoma

What are you researching in lay terms?

I am a clinical researcher, and I am researching new treatments for fast-growing lymphomas, trying to find cures for patients with relapsed disease or those who are at high risk of relapsing after first therapy. I am particularly interested in immunotherapies such as the bispecific antibodies and CAR-T cell therapy, which use T-cells to treat cancers.

What motivated you to come and work at Peter Mac?

Peter Mac is unquestionably the best place to do trials of new drugs, both in partnership with industry or trials we design. Everybody here is focussed on the mission of curing cancer, and there is incredible support for us to do this work. Treating cancer and research is the priority of the whole organisation, everybody is pulling in the same direction.

What drives you to achieve better outcomes for cancer patients?

It's very personal. I like to know that we are changing lives, and making patients live longer, or live better. The drive comes from the consultation room, seeing the impact of these new treatments on patients.

How will your research improve outcomes for cancer patients?

Some of the trials I have led have resulted in drug approvals globally, and they are already impacting the standard of care in many countries.

What do you like most about working for Peter Mac?

The people, unquestionably. Inspiring leaders, great mentorship, and of course the patients.

Can you please detail how your research has used and benefitted from the core facilities at Peter Mac?

We used the Centre for Biostatistics and Clinical Trials (BACT) to run national trials in CAR-T cell therapy and bispecific antibodies. The Parkville Clinical Trials Unit is probably the best unit of its kind in the country.