Dr Esther Lim

Tell us about your latest work.

Although combination immunotherapy has proven to be the most effective treatment for advanced melanoma, around 45% of patients do not respond to this treatment within the first year. Once treatment fails, responses to subsequent therapies are poor, highlighting the urgent need for better ways to select effective treatment combinations. Melanoma resists immunotherapy via diverse processes but most involve disrupting key steps in how the immune system recognises and attacks cancer cells. Defining these critical cancer-immune interactions can help us pinpoint therapies that restore the immune response.

Our latest research is focused on developing and applying a novel “precision cancer framework” that matches the type of immune failure with the therapies most likely to overcome it. To achieve this, we will generate preclinical models in the lab that mimic specific immune defects and evaluate the efficacy of different investigational drugs in these models. Instead of trial-and-error, this framework provides an evidence-based approach to select the most effective drug combinations. Many investigational drugs in clinical trials target distinct components of cancer-immune interactions. Our approach uniquely couples these agents with detailed knowledge of how the immune system is failing in melanoma.

This research will provide essential insights, linking specific immune defects with effective treatment options. It will enable patients who failed initial immunotherapy to be classified by immune defects, guiding clinicians to select clinically available therapies that are more likely to work. This will reduce unnecessary side effects, improve quality of life and increase the chances of long-term survival for melanoma patients.

How did you get into the melanoma research field?

It all started with immunotherapy. Back in 2015, while completing my postdoctoral training in the UK, cancer immunotherapy has just been recognised by Science journal as the Breakthrough of the Year, following the clinical success of checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma. I knew I wanted to be part of this rapidly advancing field. At the same time, I was looking to return to Sydney, and a position with Prof Helen Rizos, who leads a dynamic melanoma research group at Macquarie University, opened up. I joined her team in 2016 and have been working in melanoma research ever since.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

The highlight of my career so far was receiving an NHMRC Ideas Grant in 2024 as primary chief investigator, my first major independent funding. I was extremely proud of this achievement, which would not have been possible without the support of my mentor, Helen, and my colleagues at Melanoma Institute Australia. This grant has given me the opportunity to broaden my research expertise, take on ambitious projects and provide more resources to tackle the challenges of melanoma.

What is your favourite part of your work?

My favourite part of the work is analysing the data and piecing the results together to answer important clinical questions. I often describe it as detective work – following the clues, connecting the dots, and solving the puzzle – but in this case, the puzzle has the potential to directly impact patients’ lives.

Do you have any future career goals?

My future goal is to advance cancer research in a more integrative, collaborative and interdisciplinary way. We now have incredible technologies that generate vast amounts of data but it’s crucial to use these tools thoughtfully, to address clinical questions that can truly impact patients’ lives. I am especially motivated by working with passionate colleagues who bring diverse expertise and share a commitment to the same goals.

Describe yourself in one word.

Organised.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I can cook a proper meal in under 15 minutes – meat, vegetables, pasta – not just takeout or snacks. I’m not sure if this is considered a talent, but it definitely comes in handy when juggling work and family life.

What is your favourite quote?

‘Don’t try, just do!’ My 4-year-old son said this to me one day and it has since become my motto in life.

What is your favourite movie?

‘500 Days of Summer’ – I was (still am!) obsessed with the soundtrack.

What is a book you’ve enjoyed recently?

I’m in the middle of reading ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ by Bonnie Garmus and am thoroughly enjoying it! Any book about women in science is inspiring!