May 13, 2019 Print
A researcher from The Westmead Institute for Medical Research has received a Young Nephrologist Award in for ‘Best Basic Science Abstract’ at the World Congress of Nephrology.
Dr Titi Chen, a PhD student with The Westmead Institute for Medical Research and the University of Sydney received the award for her research on the use of immune cells to prevent complications associated with kidney disease.
Dr Chen has identified a subset of dendritic cells – a type of immune cell – that can cause kidney injury in people with kidney disease.
“I’m investigating how we can inhibit this immune cell subset,” Dr Chen explained.
“By repurposing medication that is already on the market, this treatment could potentially be very cost effective.
“Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 1 in 10 Australian adults. However, many people are unaware they have the condition until they start to develop symptoms.
“Early intervention is essential. Left untreated, chronic kidney disease can progress to end-stage kidney
disease, a life-threatening condition that can only be treated by regular dialysis, or a kidney transplant.”
Dr Chen said she was delighted to have her work recognised at the World Congress of Nephrology.
“It’s a great honour to receive such a prestigious award at one of the biggest international nephrology conferences,” she said.
“I look forward to continuing on this project and improving the treatment for patients with kidney disease.”
Dr Titi Chen is affiliated with The Westmead Institute for Medical Research and the University of Sydney.
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