Rate My Professor Fiona Pixley

Pixley’s research centers on macrophage biology, elucidating mechanisms by which tumor-associated macrophages drive cancer cell invasion and metastasis, particularly in breast cancer. Her studies explore CSF-1 receptor pathways, cell motility, matrix degradation, and potential therapeutic interventions targeting macrophage migration. As former Head of Discipline in Pharmacology and Toxicology, she chaired the School’s Research Committee, served on the Executive Committee, organized seminar series, and contributed to developing pharmacology teaching and the preclinical curriculum for UWA’s postgraduate MD program. Notable publications include “The role of macrophage migratory behavior in development, homeostasis and tumor invasion” (Murrey et al., 2024, Frontiers in Immunology), “Mesothelioma survival prediction based on a six-gene transcriptomic signature” (Behrouzfar et al., 2024, iScience), “Therapeutic inhibition of the SRC-kinase HCK facilitates T cell tumor infiltration and improves response to immunotherapy” (Poh et al., 2022, Science Advances), and “Colchicine inhibits macrophage motility and matrix degradation through microtubule disruption” (Vansjariya et al., 2026, Vascular Pharmacology). Her contributions advance understanding of macrophage roles in disease and identify novel cancer therapies.