Christian W Wichmann
After completing a Master’s degree in Chemistry at the Technical University Munich I came to Australia to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Melbourne. Upon completion, I joined the Tumour Targeting Laboratory at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to support the group’s efforts in antibody development and clinical translation.
My research evolves around radiolabelled molecules used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. During my PhD, I developed a novel imaging probe to determine RAD001 sensitivity in breast cancer xenografts using positron emission tomography. This work was based on targeting a cell signalling protein called mTOR which is heavily involved in oncogenic pathways.
Currently, I am focussing on preclinical and clinical evaluation of antibody radioconjugates to further the development of novel antibodies and exploring the use of alpha-emitting isotopes such as actinium-225. In addition to a number of preclinical projects, I am facilitating the radiochemistry for clinical trials involving molecular imaging of patients with radiolabelled antibodies, including studies NCT03374943 and NCT03063788 . We are also participating in a large multicentre trial NCT03511664 investigating the efficacy of 177Lu-PSMA-617 in the treatment of progressive metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). With over 10 years of experience in radiopharmaceutical sciences I am thrilled to see the impact theranostics has had on the medical disciplines. Close collaboration of our laboratory with industry partners and leading healthcare providers has put us in a position to provide access to cutting edge treatments and change the disease trajectories of cancer patients.
Abstracts this author is presenting: