Dr Hallal is an early career researcher, whose role has been supported by donations since 2019. During this time, she's advanced her research into glioblastoma, the most common and deadly form of adult brain cancer.
Currently, diagnosing glioblastoma requires brain surgery, which can have significant side effects. Detecting the recurrence of the disease is also incredibly challenging.
Susannah's research is seeking to discover what patients urgently need – a non-invasive way to detect and monitor glioblastoma.
Susannah and the brain cancer research team have been looking at extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are tiny particles released from glioblastoma tumours into the bloodstream. Susannah has developed a method to measure EVs in the blood to detect glioblastoma activity.
Building on this discovery, the team have now investigated a new approach of measuring EVs in urine. This could lead to the creation of a world-first blood or urine test to detect glioblastoma.
As an early career researcher, Susannah is grateful for the support of donors who enabled her to kickstart her career with this exciting discovery.
"Starting a career in research is challenging,” Susannah explains. “Support and funding, especially long-term support, is rare. Thanks to donors, I was given the time to establish myself and find my strengths.”
By supporting Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, you are helping equip early career researchers like Susannah with the funding, guidance and opportunities they need to lead the next generation of cancer research.
