Miss Sara Gamaethige
Contact
- Email: k2000146@kingston.ac.uk
- Location: Penrhyn Road
- Faculty: Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education
- School: School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry
- Department: Department of Biomolecular Sciences
Research project: The Investigation of the Anticancer Effect of Artemisinin as Monotherapy and Combination Therapy in Cervical Cancer Cell Line
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer amongst women worldwide. The first line treatments for cancer involve surgery, chemotherapy and radiation which although can be moderately successful, results in a number of undesirable side effects and higher chances of relapsing due to resistance. Drug repurposing requires minimal costs and resources compared to new drug development. The use of already established drugs as opposed to chemotherapy and radiation results in minimal side effects and if successful, a relatively low incidence of relapse. A natural terpene-based compound namely Artemisinin, in its semisynthetic form known as Artesunate, originally used against Malaria has been identified to be involved in several modes of action against cancer, specifically on the Hippo Signalling Pathway; a critical pathway which controls cell proliferation, apoptosis and organ growth. The aim of this project is to evaluate the anticancer properties of Artesunate, alone or in combination with cisplatin; a chemotherapy drug.
- Research degree: MSc by Research
- Title of project: The Investigation of the Anticancer Effect of Artemisinin as Monotherapy and Combination Therapy in Cervical Cancer Cell Line
- Research supervisor: Dr Nadine Wehida
- Other research supervisor: Dr Ahmed Elbediwy
Biography
I am a research Master's student currently at Kingston University, London, originally from Sri Lanka. I graduated with a first-class BSc in Biomedical Science in 2023. My keen interest in cellular biology led me to pursuing a Master's degree in Cancer Research with a focus on treatment with Dr Nadine Wehida and Dr Ahmed Elbediwy, both with a firm interest in cancer biology and drug treatment. I spend my spare time away from research going to the gym to increase my endurance, strength and coordination subsequently increasing energy levels and alleviating stress. My future career aspirations will undoubtedly be to pursue a PhD in cancer research, specifically on treatment by focusing on signalling pathways.
Areas of research interest
- Cancer Treatment
- Hippo Signalling Pathway
- Drug Repurposing
- Cervical Cancer
- Transcriptional Coactivators YAP/TAZ
Qualifications
- BSc in Biomedical Science, Kingston University London