Associate Professor Batra is the leader of the Cancer Molecular Genetics Group at QUT, based at TRI, which focuses on understanding the genetic basis of prostate cancer to identify better diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and new therapeutic targets.
Although prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer mortality in Australian men, we are currently unable to predict at diagnosis whether a patient has slow-growing or more aggressive disease. This means that some patients receive unnecessary treatment that will adversely impact on their quality of life, without benefit.
“My laboratory is trying to solve this problem by examining tiny changes to DNA called Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, or SNPs, that are linked to prostate cancer. SNPs are the most common type of genetic variation among people. So far, we have identified about 150 genetic variations that are common in men with prostate cancer.”
“The next step is to find those SNPs which will be able to identify, at diagnosis, which men will go on develop aggressive disease and benefit the most from vigorous treatment.”
As a strong female leader, Associate Professor Batra has been very active in advocating gender, diversity and inclusion issues; proactive mentoring of early career researchers; and engagement with the future generations of research academics.
Associate Professor Batra also gives multiple talks each year to the public to raise awareness about cancer research. She has been interviewed by SBS radio (in multiple languages) and ABC news, and had articles published in the Cancer Council Queensland newsletter.
In addition, Associate Professor Batra is passionate about educating and encouraging school students to engage in science and technology, hosting them yearly in her laboratory; volunteering at the Brisbane Science Festival; and speaking as a Flying Scientist with space enthusiasts at the 50th Moon Anniversary Event, Charleville, on the topic DNA Turning Alien.