Serum Mesothelin-related Protein As An Early Marker Of Mesothelioma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$354,750.00
Summary
The deadly asbestos-induced cancer mesothelioma is continuing to kill tens of thousands of individuals per year and its incidence is increasing. It is expected to cost communities hundreds of billions of dollars in compensation. This disease is usually already quite advanced by the time a patients presents to a doctor with symptoms so we have been working on methods of early detection. This project studies a new, exciting method of diagnosis using blood levels of a molecule called 'SMRP'. Late l ....The deadly asbestos-induced cancer mesothelioma is continuing to kill tens of thousands of individuals per year and its incidence is increasing. It is expected to cost communities hundreds of billions of dollars in compensation. This disease is usually already quite advanced by the time a patients presents to a doctor with symptoms so we have been working on methods of early detection. This project studies a new, exciting method of diagnosis using blood levels of a molecule called 'SMRP'. Late last year we published a paper in the prestigious journal Lancet showing that SMRP was a good test to help diagnose mesothelioma and this became a lead news item around the world because of widespread concern about this disease. In those studies we found strong clues that this test was very sensitive and could detect mesothelioma a year or so before a patient develops symptoms. In this grant we will evaluate whether this test could be useful for screening asbestos-exposed individuals for early detection of this cancer. We will also study ways of improving the test using laboratory methods. This would provide a foundation for studies aimed at determining if early treatment could improve patient survival.Read moreRead less
Diagnostic Markers For Malignant Mesothelioma And Other Respiratory Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$467,315.00
Summary
The deadly asbestos-induced cancer mesothelioma is continuing to kill tens of thousands of individuals per year. We have been working on improving the tests available to detect this cancer and to follow the course of the disease with the aim of reducing patients' anxiety and health-care costs.
Molecular Characterisation And Diagnosis Of Malignant Mesothelioma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,250.00
Summary
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive, asbestos-related tumour of increasing incidence throughout the world that is estimated to be cause approximately 20,000 deaths per annum . MM was rare until approximately 20-30 years ago but it is now more, or as, common a cause of death in Australia as cancers of the bone, liver, cervix, bladder and ovary. Although asbestos use has declined to virtually zero across most of the developed world, due to 30 to 40 year latency of the disease, the peak in ....Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive, asbestos-related tumour of increasing incidence throughout the world that is estimated to be cause approximately 20,000 deaths per annum . MM was rare until approximately 20-30 years ago but it is now more, or as, common a cause of death in Australia as cancers of the bone, liver, cervix, bladder and ovary. Although asbestos use has declined to virtually zero across most of the developed world, due to 30 to 40 year latency of the disease, the peak in cases of mesothelioma is not expected until 2010. MM is one of the most aggressive and debilitating tumours known, with a median survival of 7-10 months and a clinical pattern that usually involves substantial pain and dyspnea. Advances in therapy-prevention of mesothelioma will have not only have a major health impact, but potentially an extraordinary economic impact. MM is predicted to cost the Australian economy around $5 billion in compensation over the next 35-40 years. Government, insurance companies and industry will share that cost. The significance of this disease therefore extends beyond its actual incidence. There is growing evidence in many tumour types that the best diagnostics and treatments for cancer will come about as a result of understanding the molecular logic that underpins carcinogenesis, and designing therapies and diagnostics accordingly. We will carry out a project using the most comprehensive microarrays available to profile gene expression in malignant mesothelioma. We will use the expression data we obtain to fulfil three aims. Firstly, we will use patient outcome information to search for genes whose expression is indicative of response to therapy. Secondly, we will search the data to identify candidate secreted molecules which may be useful in the early detection of MM. Finally, we will develop a molecular assay to unequivocally diagnose MM from cells collected from pleural effusions.Read moreRead less
The Scientific Basis For The Integration Of Surgery And Immunotherapy For Lung Malignancies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$516,394.00
Summary
The work in this grant focuses on the effects of cancer surgery (tumor resection and removal of lymph nodes) on the anti-cancer immune response. It also examines whether delivery of agents into the residual tumour bed following surgery can effectively boost the effects of surgery on the immune system. The results obtained will help guide the rational design of future combination surgery-immunotherapy treatment regimens.
Clinical Utility Of A Novel Serum Marker, Serum Mesothelin Family Protein (SMF) In Mesothelioma Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$323,250.00
Summary
Asbestos fibres can cause a number of cancers, one of the most aggressive and untreatable being mesothelioma. Unfortunately mesothelioma is largely resistant to the main forms of therapy: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The average survival from diagnosis is only 8.5 months. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose mesothelioma and additional tests would be useful. Also, a simple screening test may be able to detect the earlier stages of this disease, and allow for early treatment, w ....Asbestos fibres can cause a number of cancers, one of the most aggressive and untreatable being mesothelioma. Unfortunately mesothelioma is largely resistant to the main forms of therapy: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The average survival from diagnosis is only 8.5 months. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose mesothelioma and additional tests would be useful. Also, a simple screening test may be able to detect the earlier stages of this disease, and allow for early treatment, would be of widespread value to the community. Markers of cancer can be detected in the blood for a number of cancers e.g. prostate, colon, liver and ovary. No reliable serum marker for the presence of mesothelioma has been described and this study describes work aimed at further evaluating a novel marker that we have been researching in collaboration with a group from Seattle, USA. Mesothelin is a protein made in mesothelial tissue such as mesothelioma. When an individual develops mesothelioma the levels increase in the blood. Also, a proportion of individuals increased levels of this molecule can be detected prior to presentation. This means that it may become a useful screening tool in asbestos-exposed individuals and might be a clinical indicator of the need for further testing and, if early disease is found, early treatments. Given that early treatment of cancer is more effective than late treatment in most clinical situations, this is likely to improve the prognosis for this disease. For this marker to be clinically useful, a careful correlation between its level in the blood and the exact amount of tumour that is present (based on precised computerised tomography x-ray measurements of the tumour) are important. The findings of this study may have widespread implications for patients with mesothelioma and individuals at risk of developing mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos.Read moreRead less
Asbestos And Related Diseases In Western Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$404,727.00
Summary
This project will extend the follow-up of large, well established groups of people who have experienced significant exposure to blue asbestos, either through their jobs or environmentally. Mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis are common among these groups. This study will provide information on the effects of different levels of exposure to blue asbestos. Ways in which these diseases may be prevented through the diet and other lifestyle habits will be closely examined. This project provides ....This project will extend the follow-up of large, well established groups of people who have experienced significant exposure to blue asbestos, either through their jobs or environmentally. Mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis are common among these groups. This study will provide information on the effects of different levels of exposure to blue asbestos. Ways in which these diseases may be prevented through the diet and other lifestyle habits will be closely examined. This project provides important data on the dose-response effects of a known carcinogen. Due to the integrated nature of our already established follow up systems we are in a unique position worldwide to achieve these aims. The dose response relationships between exposure and disease identified by this study will contribute to occupational health and safety exposure standards and compensation policy in Australia. The information on lifestyle factors is appropriate for use in many different health promotion interventions. Ongoing contact with the cohorts is critical to our involvement in collaborative preventative and biological studies.Read moreRead less
Optimising Regulatory T Cell Depletion In Combination With Chemotherapy For Enhanced Anti-tumour Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$264,816.00
Summary
The drug cyclophosphamide helps the immune system attack cancer by decreasing the number of immune cells that suppress an immune response to cancer ('Regulatory T cells'). This project combines standard chemotherapy with the drug cyclophosphamide in people with mesothelioma and lung cancer. The aim of the project is to find the dose of cyclophosphamide that maximally decreases Regulatory T cells in each patient, and determine the effect of this on anti-tumour immunity and response to treatment.