Overview
Background
Sunil Lakhani is Executive Director Research and Senior Staff Specialist, Pathology Queensland, and Head of the Molecular Breast Group at the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR) at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
Prior to his move to Australia in 2004, he was Professor of Breast Pathology at The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
His current research interests include lobular carcinoma and its variants, normal and stem cells, tumours with a basal phenotype, familial breast cancer and biology and therapeutic development for brain and distant metastases.
He was series editor for the 4th Edition WHO Tumour Classification Books and volume editor for the 4th Ed WHO Classification of Tumours of the Breast (2012). He is currently Standing member of the Board for the 5th Ed WHO Tumour Classification Books. He is also on the editorial board of a number of pathology and experimental research journals.
Availability
- Professor Sunil Lakhani is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours), University College London
- Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery and Medical Science, University College London
- Doctoral Diploma of Medicine, University College London
- Royal College of Pathologists, Royal College of Pathologists
Research impacts
The recognition that ADH is biologically very similar to DCIS has led to a policy of excising all ADH lesions diagnosed on core biopsies at breast screening assessment
The demonstration that LCIS is a clonal neoplastic proliferation with the same molecular phenotype as invasive lobular carcinoma, and the subsequent dissemination of this knowledge through publication (Lakhani SR 2003, Lancet) and conference presentations has also changed the management of LCIS. It is accepted that it is a non-obligate precursor, rather than a hyperplastic lesion.
The recognition of the pleomorphic variant of lobular is now changing the way this proliferation is managed. Like other lobular lesions, it is multifocal/bilateral but a more aggressive variant. There is considerable ongoing discussion on the international stage regarding management and my work has played a role in this policy change.
We have also shown that columnar cell lesions, which are increasingly being diagnosed in the screening program, are clonal lesions with a progressive relationship to low grade DCIS (Simpson PT et al 2005 Am J Surg Pathol). We have shown that morphological atypia is associated with molecular profiles similar to that of DCIS and hence patients with atypical lesions on core biopsy are now subjected to further excision. It has been shown subsequently that many of these patients have worse pathology on further resection.
My expertise, in diagnostic and molecular biology of pre-invasive breast disease has also been acknowledged in being appointed Head of Breast Screen Pathology, North Brisbane as well as being a member of the Breast Screen Quality (‘Q’) group in Queensland.
My work as part of the BCLC has demonstrated that BRCA1-related breast cancers are high grade, highly proliferative tumours and occurred in young women. Hence there was an immediate impact on breast screening protocols. I was invited to many meetings to discuss the pathology in relation to the following: (i) should mammography be used in young women and how effective would it be in dense breasts? (ii) should another modality such as MRI be considered? (iii) irrespective of the modality, should the screening interval be shortened to reduce the risk that patients would present with interval cancers?
All these issues have been addressed subsequent to the publications – in particular, I was member of the steering group that published the experience of using MRI in young women at high risk of breast cancer (Leach et al 2005 MARIBS The Lancet). MRI is now used in many countries to screen high-risk women. The screening interval has been reduced to 1 year as many patients did present with interval cancers as predicted by the pathology.
In extending the original work on morphology, my group has also demonstrated that a large proportion of BRCA1associated cancers are ER negative and ‘basal-like’. This led us to propose that this phenotype could be used to improve the risk estimation and carrier probability of women seen in family cancer clinics (Lakhani et al 2005 Clin Can Res).
We have now published a number of papers supporting the use of pathology data to improve risk estimation as well as improving the likelihood of unclassified variants (UVs) being pathogenic. This work has been done with previous BCLC collaborators (Prof Doug Easton) as well as with Georgia Chenevix-Trench and Amanda Spurdle at QIMR (Chenevix-Trench et al 2006 Can Res, Lovelock et al 2007 Br Can Res, Spurdle et al 2008 JCO, Spurdle et al 2009 Hum Mut, Mavaddat et al 2010 Br Can Res) This approach is now being incorporated into the genetics clinics.
Works
Search Professor Sunil Lakhani’s works on UQ eSpace
2000
Journal Article
Radiation safety of the sentinel lymph node technique in breast cancer
Waddington, W. A., Taylor, I., Lakhani, S. R., Short, M. D. and Ell, P. J. (2000). Radiation safety of the sentinel lymph node technique in breast cancer. European Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 27 (4), 277-291.
2000
Journal Article
Improving the reproducibility of the MCF-7 cell proliferation assay for the detection of xenoestrogens
Payne, J., Jones, C., Lakhani, S. and Kortenkamp, A. (2000). Improving the reproducibility of the MCF-7 cell proliferation assay for the detection of xenoestrogens. Science of the Total Environment, 248 (1), 51-62. doi: 10.1016/S0048-9697(99)00479-9
2000
Journal Article
Comparative genomic hybridization reveals extensive variation among different MCF-7 cell stocks
Jones, Chris, Payne, Joachim, Wells, Dagan, Delhanty, Joy D. A., Lakhani, Sunil R. and Kortenkamp, Andreas (2000). Comparative genomic hybridization reveals extensive variation among different MCF-7 cell stocks. Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics, 117 (2), 153-158. doi: 10.1016/S0165-4608(99)00158-2
2000
Journal Article
Molecular analysis of phyllodes tumors reveals distinct changes in the epithelial and stromal components
Sawyer, Elinor J., Hanby, Andrew M., Ellis, Paul, Lakhani, Sunil R., Ellis, Ian O., Boyle, Sue and Tomlinson, Ian P. M. (2000). Molecular analysis of phyllodes tumors reveals distinct changes in the epithelial and stromal components. American Journal of Pathology, 156 (3), 1093-1098. doi: 10.1016/S0002-9440(10)64977-2
2000
Journal Article
The pathology of familial breast cancer: histological features of cancers in families not attributable to mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2
Lakhani, Sunil R., Gusterson, Barry A., Jacquemier, Jocelyne, Sloane, John P., Anderson, Thomas J., van de Vijver, Marc J., Venter, Deon, Freeman, Alex, Antoniou, Antonios, McGuffog, Lesley, Smyth, Elizabeth, Steel, C. Michael, Haites, Nava, Scott, Rodney J., Goldgar, David, Neuhausen, Susan, Daly, Peter A., Ormiston, Wilma, McManus, Ross, Scherneck, Siegfried, Ponder, Bruce A. J., Futreal, P. Andrew, Peto, Julian, Stoppa-Lyonnet, Dominique, Bignon, Yves-Jean, Struewing, Jeffery P., Bishop, D. Timothy, Klijn, J.G.M., Devilee, Peter ... Stratton, Michael R. (2000). The pathology of familial breast cancer: histological features of cancers in families not attributable to mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. Clinical Cancer Research, 6 (3), 782-789.
2000
Journal Article
Lobular carcinoma in situ of the breast is not caused by constitutional mutations in the E-cadherin gene
Rahman, N., Stone, J. G., Coleman, G., Gusterson, B., Seal, S., Lakhani, S. R., Ward, A., Nash, A., McKinna, A., A'Hern, R. and Houlston, R. S. (2000). Lobular carcinoma in situ of the breast is not caused by constitutional mutations in the E-cadherin gene. British Journal of Cancer, 82 (3), 568-570. doi: 10.1054/bjoc.1999.0965
2000
Journal Article
Linkage and LOH studies in 19 cylindromatosis families show no evidence of genetic heterogeneity and refine the CYLD locus on chromosome 16q12-q13
Takahashi, M., Rapley, E., Biggs, P. J., Lakhani, S. R., Cooke, D., Hansen, J., Blair, E., Hofmann, B., Siebert, R., Turner, G., Schrander-Stumpel, C., Beemer, F. A., van Vloten, W. A., Breuning, M. H., van den Ouweland, A., Halley, D., Delpech, B., Cleveland, M., Leigh, I., Chapman, P., Burn, J., Hohl, D., Gorog, J. P., Seal, S., Mangion, J., Warren, W., Bignell, G. and Stratton, M. R. (2000). Linkage and LOH studies in 19 cylindromatosis families show no evidence of genetic heterogeneity and refine the CYLD locus on chromosome 16q12-q13. Human Genetics, 106 (1), 58-65. doi: 10.1007/s004399900227
1999
Journal Article
Genetic alterations in 'normal' luminal and myoepithelial cells of the breast
Lakhani, Sunil R., Chaggar, Ranbir, Davies, Susan, Jones, Chris, Collins, Nadine, Odel, Christopher, Stratton, Michael R. and O'Hare, Michael J. (1999). Genetic alterations in 'normal' luminal and myoepithelial cells of the breast. Journal of Pathology, 189 (4), 496-503. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1096-9896(199912)189:43.3.CO;2-4
1999
Journal Article
re: Fibroadenoma with keratinous squamous cysts
Colville, C. C., Krysa, J., Saunders, C., Schneidau, A. and Lakhani, S. R. (1999). re: Fibroadenoma with keratinous squamous cysts. Breast, 8 (6), 347-349. doi: 10.1054/brst.1999.0076
1999
Journal Article
High level expression of differentially localized BAG-1 isoforms in some oestrogen receptor-positive human breast cancers
Brimmell, M., Burns, J. S., Munson, P., Mcdonald, L., O'Hare, M. J., Lakhani, S. R. and Packham, G. (1999). High level expression of differentially localized BAG-1 isoforms in some oestrogen receptor-positive human breast cancers. British Journal of Cancer, 81 (6), 1042-1051. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6690805
1999
Journal Article
The pathology of hereditary breast cancer
Lakhani, Sunil R. (1999). The pathology of hereditary breast cancer. Disease Markers, 15 (1-3), 113-114. doi: 10.1155/1999/459486
1999
Journal Article
Atypical lobular hyperplasia and lobular carcinoma in situ: surgical and molecular pathology
Lishman, S. C. and Lakhani, S. R. (1999). Atypical lobular hyperplasia and lobular carcinoma in situ: surgical and molecular pathology. Histopathology, 35 (3), 195-200. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2559.1999.00815.x
1999
Journal Article
Imprint cytology in sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer: is it reliable?
Keshtgar, M. R. S., Kocjan, G., Lakhani, S. R. and Ell, P. J. (1999). Imprint cytology in sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer: is it reliable?. Nuclear Medicine Communications, 20 (7), 678-678. doi: 10.1097/00006231-199907000-00029
1999
Journal Article
Does preoperative MRI influence the extent of surgical resection in conservative breast cancer surgery?
Douek, M., Hall-Craggs, M. A., Lakhani, S. R. and Baum, M. (1999). Does preoperative MRI influence the extent of surgical resection in conservative breast cancer surgery?. Breast, 8 (2), 84-88. doi: 10.1016/S0960-9776(99)90005-X
1999
Journal Article
The transition from hyperplasia to invasive carcinoma of the breast
Lakhani, Sunil R. (1999). The transition from hyperplasia to invasive carcinoma of the breast. Journal of Pathology, 187 (3), 272-278. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1096-9896(199902)187:33.0.CO;2-2
1999
Book Chapter
Surgical techniques
Keshtgar, Mohammad R. S., Waddington, Wendy A., Lakhani, Sunil R. and Ell, Peter J. (1999). Surgical techniques. The sentinel node in surgical oncology. (pp. 79-89) Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-60038-8_7
1999
Book Chapter
Clinical case material
Keshtgar, Mohammad R. S., Waddington, Wendy A., Lakhani, Sunil R. and Ell, Peter J. (1999). Clinical case material. The sentinel node in surgical oncology. (pp. 119-169) Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-60038-8_11
1999
Book
The sentinel node in surgical oncology
Keshtgar, Mohammad R. S., Waddington, Wendy A., Lakhani, Sunil R. and Ell, Peter J. (1999). The sentinel node in surgical oncology. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-60038-8
1998
Journal Article
Allelic imbalance in familial and sporadic prostate cancer at the putative human prostate cancer susceptibility locus, HPC1
Dunsmuir, W. D., Edwards, S. M., Lakhani, S. R., Young, M., Corbishley, C., Kirby, R. S., Dearnaley, D. P., Dowe, A., Ardern-Jones, A., Kelly, J., CRCBPG UK Familial Prostate Cancer Study Collaborators and Eeles, R. A. (1998). Allelic imbalance in familial and sporadic prostate cancer at the putative human prostate cancer susceptibility locus, HPC1. British Journal of Cancer, 78 (11), 1430-1433. doi: 10.1038/bjc.1998.703
1998
Journal Article
Comparative genomic hybridization analysis of lobular carcinoma in situ and atypical lobular hyperplasia and potential roles for gains and losses of genetic material in breast neoplasia
Lu, Yong-Jie, Osin, Pinchas, Lakhani, Sunil R., Di Palma, Silvana, Gusterson, Barry A. and Shipley, Janet M. (1998). Comparative genomic hybridization analysis of lobular carcinoma in situ and atypical lobular hyperplasia and potential roles for gains and losses of genetic material in breast neoplasia. Cancer Research, 58 (20), 4721-4727.
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Sunil Lakhani is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Master Philosophy
Application of molecular genetics in Translational Breast Cancer Research
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Amy McCart Reed, Associate Professor Peter Simpson
-
Master Philosophy
E-cadherin, ROS1 and synthetic lethality in ILC
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Amy McCart Reed
-
Master Philosophy
Applications of Molecular Genetics in Translational Breast Cancer Research
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Amy McCart Reed, Associate Professor Peter Simpson
-
Doctor Philosophy
Studies on the utility of Endobronchial Ultrasound Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS TBNA) samples in novel investigations of lung cancer genomics, and immune responses
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Peter Simpson
-
Doctor Philosophy
Studies on the utility of Endobronchial Ultrasound Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS TBNA) samples in novel investigations of lung cancer genomics, and immune
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Peter Simpson
-
Doctor Philosophy
Studies on the utility of Endobronchial Ultrasound Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS TBNA) samples in novel investigations of lung cancer genomics, and immune responses
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Peter Simpson
-
Doctor Philosophy
Circulating biomarkers in invasive lobular breast carcinoma
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Peter Simpson, Associate Professor Amy McCart Reed
-
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating therapeutic vulnerabilities in breast cancer.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Peter Simpson, Associate Professor Amy McCart Reed
Completed supervision
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Identification of new prognostic biomarker for triple negative breast cancer
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jodi Saunus, Associate Professor Peter Simpson
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Heregulin/HER3 signalling increases invasive behaviour of HER2-positive breast cancer cells
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jodi Saunus
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
Clinical-Pathological and Molecular Analysis to Understand Breast Cancer Progression
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Peter Simpson
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Development of theranostic nanomedicines for breast cancer brain metastases
Joint Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jodi Saunus
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Detailed Characterisation of Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma
Joint Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jodi Saunus, Associate Professor Amy McCart Reed
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Studies on the utility of Endobronchial Ultrasound Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS TBNA) samples in novel investigations of lung cancer genomics, and immune responses
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Peter Simpson
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Identifying and characterising targetable proteins in breast cancer brain metastasis
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Amy McCart Reed
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Investigation of epigenetic influences on DNA methylation in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Melissa Brown, Dr Jodi Saunus
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Genomic and transcriptomic biomarkers of prognosis in invasive lobular breast cancer.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Amy McCart Reed, Associate Professor Peter Simpson
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
Intratumour heterogeneity in the development and progression of breast cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Amy McCart Reed, Associate Professor Peter Simpson
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
A Search For Novel Cancer Susceptibility Genes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Melissa Brown, Associate Professor Peter Simpson
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Sunil Lakhani directly for media enquiries about:
- Brain metastasis
- Breast cancer
- Breast cancer - family history
- Cancer - breast
- Genetics - breast cancer
- Myoepithelial cells
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