Dr Marina Van Leeuwen

Follicular lymphoma is the second most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults. The environmental and genetic factors that influence the susceptibility of this cancer are not completely understood. This is a large-scale population-based family case-control study of follicular lymphoma in NSW and Victoria. We are collecting valid, reliable estimates of lifetime personal exposure to selected risk factors and sampling saliva for genotyping studies. We are also ascertaining and validating case pedigrees and collecting tissue specimens and clinical information. We will examine the…

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a B-cell malignancy morphologically characterized by a monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The causes of MM are poorly understood and its prognosis is poor. Our over arching research question is 'are there lifestyle-related (potentially modifiable) factors associated with MM risk?' In Australia the lifestyle exposures that are potentially modifiable, and sufficiently prevalent to make a measurable difference if changed, include body size and obesity, diet and nutrition (including alcoholic beverages) and sun exposure. Another issue that…

My research program aims to better understand the causes of cancer and factors that influence outcomes after cancer diagnosis. It employs classical and innovative cancer epidemiology and includes large-scale studies of cancer incidence, survival and risk factors in people with immune dysfunction. It also includes studies of lymphoid malignancies and `cancer of unknown primary' origin. The research program aims to build an evidence base for interventions that will reduce the burden of cancer nationally and internationally.