Associate Professor Susanna Park
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Associate Professor Susanna Park

Associate Professor, Neuroscience, School of Medical Sciences
Associate Professor Susanna Park

Associate Professor Susanna Park leads a multidisciplinary research group investigating assessment strategies, treatments and risk factors in neuropathy and neuromuscular disease at the School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney. Park obtained her PhD from the University of New South Wales, making a significant contribution to the field of neurophysiology by identifying a novel mechanism of neurotoxicity in oxaliplatin-treated patients and was subsequently awarded RG Menzies/NHMRC Overseas Biomedical Fellowship based at the Institute of Neurology, University College London.

Park's research focuses on the implementation of novel tools for assessment of neuropathy and axon degeneration. Her research program has significantly contributed to the worldwide implementation of novel tools for the assessment of nerve damage in cancer, facilitating increased recognition of the problem and more recently, translation into potentially effective clinical treatments.

  • Clinical neurophysiology
  • Nerve excitability & threshold tracking
  • Blood-based biomarkers
  • Cancer survivorship
  • Clinical assessment tools
  • Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
  • Inflammatory & peripheral neuropathies
  • Motor neuron disorders

2022 University of Sydney SUPRA supervisor of the year finalist

2018 – 2022 RD Wright Biomedical Career Development Fellowship, National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia

2018 Sydney Research Accelerator Prize, University of Sydney

2018 AW Campbell award for best contribution to neuroscience in first 5 postdoctoral years, Australasian Neuroscience Society

2011 - 2014 RG Menzies Fellowship, The Sir Robert Menzies Memorial Foundation

2011 – 2014 Overseas Biomedical Fellowship, National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia

2004 The University Medal in Neuroscience, Australian National University

Cancer, Neurosciences and Mental Health, Lifespan

Publications

Book Chapters

  • Kleckner, I., Park, S., Streckmann, F., Wiskemann, J., Hardy, S., Mohile, N. (2021). Clinical and Practical Recommendations in the Use of Exercise, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. In Maryam Lustberg, Charles Loprinzi (Eds.), Diagnosis, Management and Emerging Strategies for Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy: A MASCC Book, (pp. 243-252). Cham: Springer. [More Information]
  • Park, S., Renn, C., Lees, J., Dorsey, S., Cavaletti, G., Carozzi, V. (2021). Electrophysiological Assessments in Peripheral Nerves and Spinal Cord in Rodent Models of Chemotherapy-Induced Painful Peripheral Neuropathy. In Jordi Llorens, Marta Barenys (Eds.), Experimental Neurotoxicology Methods, (pp. 133-161). New York: Humana Press. [More Information]
  • Kleckner, I., Park, S., Streckmann, F., Wiskemann, J., Hardy, S., Mohile, N. (2021). Systematic Review of Exercise for Prevention and Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. In Maryam Lustberg, Charles Loprinzi (Eds.), Diagnosis, Management and Emerging Strategies for Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy: A MASCC Book, (pp. 183-241). Cham: Springer. [More Information]

Journals

  • Carroll, A., Park, S., Lin, C., Taylor, M., Kwok, F., Simon, N., Reilly, M., Kiernan, M., Vucic, S. (2024). Axonal excitability as an early biomarker of nerve involvement in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. Clinical Neurophysiology, 159, 81-95. [More Information]
  • Tu, S., Li, T., Carroll, A., Mahoney, C., Huynh, W., Park, S., Henderson, R., Vucic, S., Kiernan, M., Lin, C. (2024). Central neurodegeneration in Kennedy’s disease accompanies peripheral motor dysfunction. Scientific Reports, 14(1). [More Information]
  • Li, T., Trinh, T., Bosco, A., Kiernan, M., Goldstein, D., Park, S. (2024). Characterising vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy in adults: symptom development and long-term persistent outcomes. Supportive Care in Cancer, 32(5), 278. [More Information]

2024

  • Carroll, A., Park, S., Lin, C., Taylor, M., Kwok, F., Simon, N., Reilly, M., Kiernan, M., Vucic, S. (2024). Axonal excitability as an early biomarker of nerve involvement in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. Clinical Neurophysiology, 159, 81-95. [More Information]
  • Tu, S., Li, T., Carroll, A., Mahoney, C., Huynh, W., Park, S., Henderson, R., Vucic, S., Kiernan, M., Lin, C. (2024). Central neurodegeneration in Kennedy’s disease accompanies peripheral motor dysfunction. Scientific Reports, 14(1). [More Information]
  • Li, T., Trinh, T., Bosco, A., Kiernan, M., Goldstein, D., Park, S. (2024). Characterising vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy in adults: symptom development and long-term persistent outcomes. Supportive Care in Cancer, 32(5), 278. [More Information]

2023

  • Park, S., Cetinkaya-Fisgin, A., Argyriou, A., Hoke, A., Cavaletti, G., Alberti, P. (2023). Axonal degeneration in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity: Clinical and experimental evidence. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 94(11), 962-972. [More Information]
  • Timmins, H., Mizrahi, D., Li, T., Kiernan, M., Goldstein, D., Park, S. (2023). Metabolic and lifestyle risk factors for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in taxane and platinum-treated patients: a systematic review. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 17(1), 222-236. [More Information]
  • Li, T., Timmins, H., Trinh, T., Mizrahi, D., Harrison, M., Horvath, L., Grimison, P., Friedlander, M., Kiernan, M., King, M., Rutherford, C., Park, S., et al (2023). Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity: Defining Minimal and Clinically Important Changes. JNCCN Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 21(2), 125-132. [More Information]

2022

  • Li, T., Park, S., Battaglini, E., King, M., Kiernan, M., Goldstein, D., Rutherford, C. (2022). Assessing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy with patient reported outcome measures: a systematic review of measurement properties and considerations for future use. Quality of Life Research, 31(11), 3091-3107. [More Information]
  • Mahfouz, F., Park, S., Li, T., Timmins, H., Horvath, L., Harrison, M., Grimison, P., King, T., Goldstein, D., Mizrahi, D. (2022). Association of electrochemical skin conductance with neuropathy in chemotherapy-treated patients. Clinical Autonomic Research, 32(6), 497-506. [More Information]
  • Mizrahi, D., Goldstein, D., Kiernan, M., Robinson, L., Pitiyarachchi, O., McCullough, S., Mendoza-Jones, P., Grimison, P., Boyle, F., Park, S. (2022). Development and consensus process for a clinical pathway for the assessment and management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Supportive Care in Cancer, 30(7), 5965-5974. [More Information]

2021

  • Chiang, J., Goldstein, D., Trinh, T., Au, K., Park, S., Krishnan, A., Markoulli, M. (2021). A cross-sectional study of ocular surface discomfort and corneal nerve dysfunction after paclitaxel treatment for cancer. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 1-10. [More Information]
  • Chiang, J., Goldstein, D., Trinh, T., Au, K., Mizrahi, D., Muhlmann, M., Crowe, P., O’neill, S., Edwards, K., Park, S., et al (2021). A cross-sectional study of sub-basal corneal nerve reduction following neurotoxic chemotherapy. Translational Vision Science and Technology, 10(1), 1-11. [More Information]
  • Mitchell, L., Shen, C., Timmins, H., Park, S., New, E. (2021). A Versatile Fluorescent Sensor Array for Platinum Anticancer Drug Detection in Biological Fluids. ACS Sensors, 6(3), 1261-1269. [More Information]

2020

  • Makker, P., White, D., Lees, J., Parmar, J., Goldstein, D., Park, S., Howells, J., Moalem-Taylor, G. (2020). Acute changes in nerve excitability following oxaliplatin treatment in mice. Journal of Neurophysiology, 124(1), 232-244. [More Information]
  • Smith, E., Kuisell, C., Kanzawa-Lee, G., Bridges, C., Alberti, P., Cavaletti, G., Saad, R., Park, S. (2020). Approaches to measure paediatric chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity: a systematic review. The Lancet Haematology, 7(5), e408-e417. [More Information]
  • Kandula, T., Farrar, M., Cohn, R., Carey, K., Johnston, K., Kiernan, M., Krishnan, A., Park, S. (2020). Changes in long term peripheral nerve biophysical properties in childhood cancer survivors following neurotoxic chemotherapy. Clinical Neurophysiology, 131(4), 783-790. [More Information]

2019

  • Geevasinga, N., Howells, J., Menon, P., van den Bos, M., Shibuya, K., Matamala, J., Park, S., Byth, K., Kiernan, M., Vucic, S. (2019). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnostic index: Toward a personalized diagnosis of ALS. Neurology, 92(6), e536-e547. [More Information]
  • McCrary, J., Goldstein, D., Trinh, T., Timmins, H., Li, T., Menant, J., Friedlander, M., Lewis, C., Hertzberg, M., O’Neill, S., King, T., Park, S., et al (2019). Balance Deficits and Functional Disability in Cancer Survivors Exposed to Neurotoxic Cancer Treatments. JNCCN Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 17(8), 949-955. [More Information]
  • Tan, A., McCrary, J., Park, S., Trinh, T., Goldstein, D. (2019). Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy - patient-reported outcomes compared with NCI-CTCAE grade. Supportive Care in Cancer, 27(12), 4771-4777. [More Information]

2018

  • Battaglini, E., Park, S., Barnes, E., Goldstein, D. (2018). A double blind, placebo controlled, phase II randomised cross-over trial investigating the use of duloxetine for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 70, 135-138. [More Information]
  • Makker, P., Matamala, J., Park, S., Lees, J., Kiernan, M., Burke, D., Moalem-Taylor, G., Howells, J. (2018). A unified model of the excitability of mouse sensory and motor axons. Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System, 23(3), 159-173. [More Information]
  • Garg, N., Park, S., Howells, J., Noto, Y., Vucic, S., Yiannikas, C., Tomlinson, S., Huynh, W., Simon, N., Mathey, E., Spies, J., Pollard, J., Kiernan, M., et al (2018). Anti-MAG neuropathy: Role of IgM antibodies, the paranodal junction and juxtaparanodal potassium channels. Clinical Neurophysiology, 129(10), 2162-2169. [More Information]

2017

  • Mathey, E., Garg, N., Park, S., Nguyen, T., Baker, S., Yuki, N., Yiannikas, K., Lin, C., Spies, J., Ghaoui, R., Barnett, M., Vucic, S., Pollard, J., Kiernan, M. (2017). Autoantibody responses to nodal and paranodal antigens in chronic inflammatory neuropathies. Journal of Neuroimmunology, 309, 41-46. [More Information]
  • Park, S., Kiernan, M., Vucic, S. (2017). Axonal Excitability in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Axonal Excitability in ALS. Neurotherapeutics, 14(1), 78-90. [More Information]
  • Timmins, H., Saw, W., Cheah, B., Lin, C., Vucic, S., Ahmed, R., Kiernan, M., Park, S. (2017). Cardiometabolic health and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Muscle and Nerve, 56(4), 721-725. [More Information]

2016

  • Garg, N., Yuki, N., Park, S., Barnett, M., Kiernan, M. (2016). Acute bulbar, neck and limb weakness with monospecific anti-GT1a antibody: A rare localized subtype of Guillain-Barre sydnrome. Muscle and Nerve, 53(1), 143-146. [More Information]
  • Park, S., Lin, C., Kiernan, M. (2016). Axonal excitability: molecular basis and assessment in the clinic. In Kerry R. Mills (Eds.), Oxford Textbook of Clinical Neurophysiology, (pp. 97-105). Oxford: Oxford University Press. [More Information]
  • Park, S., Davare, M., Falla, M., Kennedy, W., Selim, M., Wendelschafer-Crabb, G., Koltzenburg, M. (2016). Fast Adapting Mechanoreceptors are Important for Force Control in Precision Grip but not for Sensorimotor Memory. Journal of Neurophysiology, 115(6), 3156-3161. [More Information]

2015

  • Mathey, E., Park, S., Hughes, R., Pollard, J., Armati, P., Barnett, M., Taylor, B., Dyck, J., Kiernan, M., Lin, C. (2015). Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy: from pathology to phenotype. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 86(9), 973-985. [More Information]
  • Park, S., Vucic, S., Cheah, B., Lin, C., Kirby, A., Robledo, K., Zoing, M., Winhammar, J., Kiernan, M. (2015). Flecainide in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis as a Neuroprotective Strategy (FANS): A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. EBioMedicine, 2(12), 1916-1922. [More Information]
  • Park, S., Sung, J., Tani, J., Kiernan, M., Lin, C. (2015). Reply: biomarkers of 'acute-onset' chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Brain, 138(3), 1-2. [More Information]

2014

  • Park, S., Lin, C., Krishnan, A., Simon, N., Bostock, H., Vincent, A., Kiernan, M. (2014). Axonal dysfunction with voltage gated potassium channel complex antibodies. Experimental Neurology, 261, 337-342. [More Information]
  • Farrar, M., Park, S., Krishnan, A., Kiernan, M., Lin, C. (2014). Axonal dysfunction, dysmyelination, and conduction failure in hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies. Muscle and Nerve, 49(6), 858-865. [More Information]
  • Park, S., Krishnan, A. (2014). Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: the end of the beginning? Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 85(4), 359-359. [More Information]

2013

  • Park, S., Goldstein, D., Krishnan, A., Lin, C., Friedlander, M., Cassidy, J., Koltzenburg, M., Kiernan, M. (2013). Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity: A critical analysis. CA A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 63(6), 419-437. [More Information]
  • Farrar, M., Park, S., Lin, C., Kiernan, M. (2013). Evolution of peripheral nerve function in humans: novel insights from motor nerve excitability. Journal of Physiology, 591(1), 273-286. [More Information]
  • Lin, C., Park, S., Krishnan, A. (2013). Porphyric neuropathy. In Gerard Said and Christian Krarup (Eds.), Handbook of Clinical Neurology: Vol 115 Peripheral Nerve Disorders, (pp. 613-627). Amsterdam: Elsevier. [More Information]

2012

  • Bennett, B., Park, S., Lin, C., Friedlander, M., Kiernan, M., Goldstein, D. (2012). Impact of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy: a patient perspective. Supportive Care in Cancer, 20(11), 2959-2967. [More Information]
  • Krishnan, A., Park, S., Huynh, W., Lin, C., Henderson, R., Kiernan, M. (2012). Impaired energy-dependent processes underlie acute lead neuropathy. Muscle and Nerve, 46(6), 954-956. [More Information]
  • Park, S., Lin, C., Kiernan, M., Koltzenburg, M. (2012). Longitudinal assessment of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy. Neurology, 78(2), 152. [More Information]

2011

  • Park, S., Lin, C., Burke, D., Kiernan, M. (2011). Activity-dependent conduction failure: molecular insights. Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System, 16(3), 159-168. [More Information]
  • Park, S., Lin, C., Krishnan, A., Goldstein, D., Friedlander, M., Kiernan, M. (2011). Dose effects of oxaliplatin on persistent and transient na conductances and the development of neurotoxicity. PloS One, 6(4), e18469-e18469. [More Information]
  • Farrar, M., Vucic, S., Lin, C., Park, S., Johnston, H., du Sart, D., Bostock, H., Kiernan, M. (2011). Dysfunction of axonal membrane conductances in adolescents and young adults with spinal muscular atrophy. Brain, 134(11), 3185-3197. [More Information]

2010

  • Farrar, M., Lin, C., Krishnan, A., Park, S., Andrews, P., Kiernan, M. (2010). Acute, Reversible Axonal Energy Failure During Stroke-Like Episodes in MELAS. Pediatrics, 126(3), e734-e739. [More Information]
  • Park, S., Lin, C., Krishnan, A., Goldstein, D., Friedlander, M., Kiernan, M. (2010). Oxaliplatin-Induced Lhermitte's Phenomenon as a Manifestation of Severe Generalized Neurotoxicity. Oncology, 77(6), 342-348. [More Information]

2009

  • Park, S., Goldstein, D., Lin, C., Krishnan, A., Friedlander, M., Kiernan, M. (2009). Acute abnormalities of sensory nerve function associated with oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 27(8), 1243-1249. [More Information]
  • Krishnan, A., Lin, C., Park, S., Kiernan, M. (2009). Axonal ion channels from bench to bedside: a translational neuroscience perspective. Progress in Neurobiology, 89(3), 288-313. [More Information]
  • Park, S., Lin, C., Krishnan, A., Goldstein, D., Friedlander, M., Kiernan, M. (2009). Oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity: changes in axonal excitability precede development of neuropathy. Brain, 132(10), 2712-2723. [More Information]

2008

  • Krishnan, A., Lin, C., Park, S., Kiernan, M. (2008). Assessment of nerve excitability in toxic and metabolic neuropathies. Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System, 13(1), 7-26. [More Information]
  • Park, S., Krishnan, A., Lin, C., Goldstein, D., Friedlander, M., Kiernan, M. (2008). Mechanisms underlying chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity and the potential for neuroprotective strategies. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 15(29), 3081-3094. [More Information]

2007

  • Gulledge, A., Park, S., Kawaguchi, Y., Stuart, G. (2007). Heterogeneity of phasic cholinergic signaling in neocortical neurons. Journal of Neurophysiology, 97(3), 2215-2229. [More Information]

Selected Grants

2025

  • Advancing Biomarkers and Outcomes for Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy, Li T, Park S, American Academy of Neurology/Clinical Research Training Scholarship in Peripheral Neuropathy

2024

  • Harnessing metabolic, genetic and protein biomarkers to predict neurotoxicity in taxane-treated cancer patients (NeuroTax): A prospective validation cohort study, Park S, Horvath L, Kwok J, Kiernan M, Boyle F, Lee C, Cancer Australia/Priority Driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme

Additional Grants

2023

•Cognitive-motor step training to reduce chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) symptoms in cancer survivors; Menant J, Sturnieks D, Park S, Goldstein D, Lord S, Davis J, Mizrahi D, Koczwara B, Grimison P, Yates P. NHMRC Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies Grant Scheme

2022

•Measuring nerve damage after chemotherapy treatment; Park S, Timmins H, Li T, Brain Foundation/ Research Gift Program

2021

•Improving the quality of clinical screening for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy; Goldstein D, Park S, Horvath L, Grimison P, Mizrahi D, Li T, King T, Paul R, Avant Foundation

2020

•Improving screening for Chemotherapy induced peripheral neurotoxicity: a feasibility study; Park S, Grimison P, Sydney Health Partners Implementation Science Grant