Dr Sarah Diepstraten is funded by Cure Cancer
She is based at WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research).
Dr Sarah Diepstraten is a Senior Research Officer at WEHI with over six years of experience leading innovative blood cancer research projects. Her expertise spans molecular biology, tissue culture, and cutting-edge CRISPR technology. She has developed a CRISPR indel analysis tool now used by more than 30 researchers across Australia, with citations in multiple publications. Her research outputs include 15 papers, with six as the first author and one as senior author, accumulating over 500 citations.
Sarah has established strong collaborations with leading academic, clinical, and industry partners, including working with Genentech (USA) to advance CRISPR applications. The genetic tools and resources generated through her work have been adopted by research groups worldwide.
A rising leader in her field, Sarah was awarded a prestigious Victorian Cancer Agency Early-Career Fellowship and a CASS Foundation grant in 2022. Her achievements have been recognised with WEHI's Kellaway Discovery Award and Postdoc Seminar Prize, along with presentation awards at prominent cancer research conferences. She has also been invited to speak at major events, including ComBio and CRISPR DownUnder. Her exceptional technical skills, collaborative network, and access to world-class facilities position her to drive impactful advancements in blood cancer research.
Limited treatment options for aggressive blood cancers
While many blood cancers are now treatable, patients with aggressive forms still face devastating odds. Many of these aggressive cases carry mutations in a key gene called p53, making them resistant to current therapies. For these patients, time is running out.
Mutations in p53 are present in nearly half of all cancers, making this a critical area of unmet clinical need. BH3-mimetics, a promising class of anti-cancer drugs, have shown effectiveness in some blood cancers, but are less effective against cancers with p53 mutations.
A novel drug combination to overcome treatment resistance
Dr Sarah Diepstraten’s research focuses on a groundbreaking approach to enhance the effectiveness of BH3-mimetics by combining them with STING agonists, a class of drugs that stimulate the immune system. Her laboratory tests have already demonstrated remarkable success in killing two types of aggressive blood cancers: acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and NK/T-cell lymphoma, including those with p53 mutations.
The current project aims to extend this discovery by testing the combination on two additional blood cancer types—T-cell lymphoma and multiple myeloma—both of which are associated with poor outcomes in p53-mutant cases. Additionally, the research will identify biomarkers that predict patient response, helping doctors personalise treatment plans and select suitable candidates for future clinical trials.
More hope for blood cancer patients with few options
This research could be a game-changer for people living with aggressive blood cancers. If successful, the new therapy would provide a much-needed treatment option, improving survival rates and quality of life for these patients. Reducing cancer-related disability and mortality is a significant step forward in blood cancer care.
Beyond the immediate benefits, identifying predictive biomarkers will help doctors target therapies to the patients most likely to benefit, making treatments more effective and efficient. The potential of this innovative approach has already generated excitement in the scientific community and sparked interest from pharmaceutical companies. With further research and clinical trials, Sarah’s work could pave the way for better, personalised treatments for a broader range of blood cancer patients worldwide.
Driven by curiosity and a desire to make a difference
Describing herself as a “basic scientist at heart,” Sarah is motivated by a drive to understand how things work. Her ultimate goal is to translate this foundational knowledge into meaningful therapies for people with cancer, particularly for those with limited treatment options. She explains, “I think all of us have been impacted in some way by cancer. If my work can help even one person—whether by directly discovering a new therapy or by contributing a small step in our understanding for others to build on—I will feel like I’ve succeeded.”
Why supporting emerging researchers matters
Sarah highlights a harsh reality: the hypercompetitive and insecure nature of early-career research in Australia. With dwindling lab funding, young scientists must often seek independent funding just to stay in the field. Unfortunately, many talented researchers are forced to leave research or move overseas due to the lack of opportunities. “The lack of job security can be very difficult,” she admits, pointing out that the time-consuming process of applying for grants is yet another challenge.
According to her, Cure Cancer funding plays a pivotal role in filling a crucial gap for researchers who are beyond the first five years post-PhD but not yet established enough to run their own laboratories. She shares how the grant will allow her to expand her promising new blood cancer therapy to other cancer types, with the aim of supporting additional clinical trials. Beyond her own work, the funding boosts her lab’s overall capacity by freeing resources to support teammates and students.
For those considering a career in research, Sarah acknowledges its challenges but offers a hopeful perspective: “Research is tough, and everyone feels disillusioned sometimes.” One of her key strategies for staying inspired is engaging with the public. Hosting school students and giving lab tours has been a powerful reminder of why she loves science. “Seeing their excitement and enthusiasm for what we do is really motivating,” she shares, urging others to embrace opportunities that reconnect them with the broader impact of their work.
"Cure Cancer grants are such a fantastic and accessible opportunity for young researchers. This funding will enable me to keep pursuing a career in science by directly supporting me and making me more competitive for future fellowships."
Together, we can cure cancer.
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