Professor Rhonda Rosengren

Research

Toxicological research in my laboratory involves the identification of novel treatments for various cancers including estrogen receptor negative breast cancer, hormone refractory prostate cancer and ovarian cancer. In conjunction with Dr. Bill Hawkins in the department of Chemistry we are synthesizing novel curcumin derivatives and examining their activity in both in vitro and in vivo models of cancer. We have also discovered new roles for tamoxifen and raloxifene in breast and prostate cancer when given as part of a novel combination therapy or in novel formulations. We also have research collaborations with Dr. Andrew Cridge in the Department of Biochemistry, Dr. Jonathan Bray Head of Small Animal Surgery at Massey University Veterinary School, Dr. Heather Cunliffe in the Department of Pathology and Dr. Mihnea Bostina in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. The Otago Medical Research Foundation and grants from the University of Otago currently fund our work.