Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) most commonly affects women aged between 20 and 40. It is characterised by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal smooth muscle cells in lung tissues. Over time these cells develop into cysts, making it a struggle to breath.

“What is needed is to understand the origins of the disease and to stop it in its tracks,” Professor Mike Berridge of the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research says.

Professor Berridge and Dr James Baty plan to do this by investigating similarities between LAM cells and cancer forming cells. They will collaborate with Dr Lyn Moir from the Woodcock Institute in Sydney who will provide primary cells from LAM patients.

“While LAM is not presently classified as cancer, LAM cells have cancer cell-like properties, including mutations, loss of cell growth control and spread to other tissues of the body,” Professor Berridge explains.

The researchers will investigate these cancer-like properties in LAM cells and determine whether LAM is sustained by a small population of self renewing cells responsible for disease persistence and progression.

“This latest research is part of a larger study that will explore the feasibility of treating LAM using the immunological therapies currently being developed at the Malaghan Institute for the treatment of cancers such as glioblastoma, melanoma and breast cancer.”