Ifeoma Dikeocha

Ifeoma Dikeocha

Higher Degree by Research Candidate

School of Biomedicine

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Experienced cancer researcher with a focus on preclinical models and cancer pharmacology. Currently a Postgraduate Research Candidate at the University of Adelaide's Cancer Treatment and Toxicities Group, I specialize in developing chemotherapy models in animal studies, proficient in tissue analysis, immunohistochemistry, and histology. My work has resulted in peer-reviewed publications, conference proceedings, and a review paper.

As a former Postgraduate Research Assistant at the University of Malaya, I developed expertise in cancer cell and bacterial cultures, as well as in vivo treatments to assess probiotic impacts on cancer cells. I authored multiple research articles and reviews, contributing to advancements in integrative cancer research.

In addition to research, I am a tutor in Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Adelaide, designing and delivering engaging courses on public health and medical science topics. My teaching emphasizes accessibility and interactive learning, supporting students’ comprehension and success through well-structured content and assessments.
I also enjoy engaging with my peers and fostering relationships hence i am part of the health science postgraduate association with fosters peer to peer connection amongst students in the faculty of health and medical sciences.

Ifeoma's Research focuses on the effect of Diet and the microbiome on breast cancer tumor response to chemotherapy.  Her research looks at how novel diet affects the tumor size in a cyclical chemotherapy model and how these diets mitigate the chemotherapy side effects and improve overall survival. She is currently the president of the health sciences postgraduate association (HeSPA) and is passionate about improving HDR experiences by peer-to-peer support.

  • Education
    Date Institution name Country Title
    2019 - 2021 Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences Malaysia M.Sc., Medical Science (By Research)
    2011 - 2015 University of Port Harcourt Nigeria B.Sc., Microbiology

  • Research Interests
    Cancer Therapy

  • Journals
    Year Citation
    2024 Dikeocha, I. J., Wardill, H. R., Coller, J. K., & Bowen, J. M. (2024). Dietary interventions and tumor response to chemotherapy in breast cancer: A comprehensive review of preclinical and clinical data. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 63, 462-475.
    DOI
    2023 Dikeocha, I. J., Al-Kabsi, A. M., Ahmeda, A. F., Mathai, M., & Alshawsh, M. A. (2023). Investigation into the Potential Role of Propionibacterium freudenreichii in Prevention of Colorectal Cancer and Its Effects on the Diversity of Gut Microbiota in Rats. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(9), 8080-1-8080-15.
    DOI Scopus6 WoS2 Europe PMC3
    2022 Dikeocha, I. J., Al-Kabsi, A. M., Miftahussurur, M., & Alshawsh, M. A. (2022). Pharmacomicrobiomics: Influence of gut microbiota on drug and xenobiotic metabolism. FASEB Journal, 36(6), 14 pages.
    DOI Scopus28 WoS7 Europe PMC18
    2022 Dikeocha, I. J., Al-Kabsi, A. M., Eid, E. E. M., Hussin, S., & Alshawsh, M. A. (2022). Probiotics supplementation in patients with colorectal cancer: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Nutrition Reviews, 80(1), 22-49.
    DOI Scopus34 WoS18 Europe PMC20
    2022 Dikeocha, I. J., Al-Kabsi, A. M., Chiu, H. T., & Alshawsh, M. A. (2022). Faecalibacterium prausnitzii Ameliorates Colorectal Tumorigenesis and Suppresses Proliferation of HCT116 Colorectal Cancer Cells. Biomedicines, 10(5), 15 pages.
    DOI Scopus36 WoS20 Europe PMC26
    2020 Dikeocha, I. J., Al-Kabsi, A. M., Hussin, S., & Alshawsh, M. A. (2020). Role of probiotics in patients with colorectal cancer: A systematic review protocol of randomised controlled trial studies. BMJ Open, 10(8), 5 pages.
    DOI Scopus7 WoS5 Europe PMC2

  • Conference Papers
    Year Citation
    - Dikeocha, I. J., Al-Kabsi, A. M., Hussin, S., & Alshawsh, M. A. (n.d.). Probiotic Administration Ameliorate Azoxymethane Induced-Carcinogenesis by Reducing the Formation of Aberrant Crypt Foci and Modulation Oxidative Stress in Rats. In The 1st International Electronic Conference on Biomedicine (pp. 21). MDPI.
    DOI

Ifeoma's Research is funded by industry partner Nutricia, which has a long-standing arrangement with the university.

Ifeoma is currently involved in Lecturing, Tutoring and Lab demonstrations for Physiology courses and the university preparatory courses for the health and medical science cohort on a Part time basis.

  • Tutor/Lab demonstrator Physiology IIA: Heart, Lung & Neuromuscular Systems  
  • Lecturer/ Tutor EDUC 1014 Nursing & Health Sciences 
  • Tutor/Lab demonstrator Physiology IIB: Systems & Homeostasis

  • Committee Memberships
    Date Role Committee Institution Country
    2024 - ongoing Convener Australian Society for Medical Research Gala Dinner University Of Adelaide Australia
    2023 - ongoing Vice-President Australasian Human Microbiome Research Network University of Adelaide Australia
    2023 - 2024 Vice-President Health Sciences Postgraduate Association (HeSPA University of Adelaide Australia

  • Offices Held
    Date Office Name Institution Country
    2024 - ongoing President Health Sciences Postgraduate Association (HeSPA) Australia
Connect With Me
External Profiles