Professor Terrance G. Johns
(BSc Hons, PhD)
Prof Johns’ overall vision is to use his distinctive skillset within basic science research, proven translational success, clinical trials and commercialisation experience to develop new therapies for brain cancer, especially adult and childhood high-grade glioma (HGG). Prof Johns is known internationally for his research into the role and therapeutic targeting of EGFR in HGG. After moving to Head the Telethon Kids Cancer Centre in 2017, Prof Johns commenced an extensive program determining the function of ion channels in HGG and ascertaining how they contribute to targeted therapy resistance.
Prof Johns has multiple senior leadership roles in the Cooperative Trials Group for Neuro-Oncology (COGNO), including being made Translational Lead in 2020. Prof Johns is committed to translating Australian Research to the clinic; something he has successfully achieved multiple times.
Importantly, through this leadership, and ABCARA, Prof Johns will continue to help build a highly cooperative and energetic brain cancer research community.
Current Projects & Areas of Interest:
Basic Research
Understanding the interaction between neurons and brain cancer cells
Role of ion channels in the growth and survival of HGG and DIPG cells
Function of ErbB family members in the tumourgenicity of HGG
Translational Research
Repurposing FDA approved ion channel drugs for the treatment of HGG
Developing effective therapeutic strategies for targeting the ErbB family