A Novel Role For CBF? As A Regulator Of Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$682,415.00
Summary
Whole genome sequencing studies of human breast tumours identified a handful of common significantly mutated genes, all previously linked to breast cancer, except one, CBF?. Preliminary data from our lab now show that CBF? may be a new regulator of human breast cancer and metastasis. Using mice with altered CBF? levels, breast cancer models and human patient cohorts, this study aims to identify a novel role for CBF? as a new regulator of human breast cancer and potential therapeutic target.
Understanding The Clinical Significance Of Tumour Genomic Architecture And Host Immune Response In Breast Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$94,732.00
Summary
This study uses sophisticated DNA sequencing technologies to help patients and their doctors better understand and treat breast cancer. It also tries to understand how the cancer DNA may change over time, and if this is important to how the cancer is treated. In addition, it looks for a link between the DNA changes in a tumour and the anti-tumour immune response, which may help identify patients that could benefit from immunotherapy in the future.
Tumours secrete factors which are contained in specific structures called exosomes, and are used to prepare other organs of the body for subsequently incoming tumour cells, thereby facilitating the often mortal spread of the cancer. This project will investigate the way exosomes alter organs before tumour cells arrive, the composition of these exosomes in lung cancer patients and if they are novel markers for diseases progression as well as therapeutic intervention.
Pushing AR Toward Better Outcomes In Breast And Prostate Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$998,754.00
Summary
Breast and prostate cancers kill >6000 Australians each year. These cancers are strikingly similar, both driven by hormone receptors that have ‘gone bad’. Current therapies aim to eradicate the receptors. While often effective, therapeutic resistance is common and results in fatal disease. We aim to develop new, less toxic treatments that switch receptor behaviour from good to bad, without destroying them. This should improve quality of life, while preventing drug resistance and loss of lives ....Breast and prostate cancers kill >6000 Australians each year. These cancers are strikingly similar, both driven by hormone receptors that have ‘gone bad’. Current therapies aim to eradicate the receptors. While often effective, therapeutic resistance is common and results in fatal disease. We aim to develop new, less toxic treatments that switch receptor behaviour from good to bad, without destroying them. This should improve quality of life, while preventing drug resistance and loss of lives.Read moreRead less
The Australian Centre For Translational Breast Cancer Research: From Discovery To Better Health Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,619,075.00
Summary
TransBCR will implement a collaborative multidisciplinary research program to help fast track the clinical translation of promising laboratory discoveries in breast cancer. To overcome existing roadblocks, we will carry out early phase clinical trials of novel anti-breast cancer drugs linked to suitable diagnostic tests that help select the right therapy for individual cancer patients. Our goal is to help inform the swift delivery of cost-effective personalised medicine in breast cancer.
CAPTURE: Circulating Tumour DNA Assessment Of PIK3CA To Guide Treatment Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,299,064.00
Summary
Many breast cancers shed small amounts of DNA (called circulating tumor DNA or ctDNA) into the patient’s bloodstream. This proposal is for a clinical trial which will examine the use of ctDNA to follow levels of a specific therapeutic target (a mutation in a gene called PIK3CA) in blood, to allow the timely introduction of a targeted therapy (PI3K inhibitor). The trial aims to lead to improved outcomes for women with estrogen receptor positive metastatic breast cancer.
Randomised Phase III Trial Of Adjuvant Radiotherapy Versus Observation Following Breast Conserving Surgery And Endocrine Therapy In Patients With Molecularly Characterised Low-risk Luminal A Early Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,087,188.00
Summary
Radiotherapy after surgery for early breast cancer decreases recurrence but its benefit varies. Thus, it is important to identify low-risk patients who are unlikely to benefit from radiotherapy, sparing them its toxicity and costs. We propose a randomised study to investigate if patients whose breast cancer is postulated to be low-risk based on PAM50 (a 50-gene test) may safely omit radiotherapy after surgery. If successful, these patients will be able to avoid the risks of over-treatment.
CHARACTERIZATION OF A NEW SUBTYPE OF AGGRESSIVE BREAST CANCER
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,152.00
Summary
Much effort has been invested in the sequencing of cancer genomes, leading to the identification of genes linked to aggressive subtypes. There is now a need to confirm the importance of these genes and to exploit these findings for patient therapies. We have identified a new cancer driver controlling an aggressive type of breast tumour which may act through one carbon/folate metabolism. We aim to map the inner workings of these cancers to devise effective targeted drugs for these patients.
Deciphering Tumour Heterogeneity Of Breast Cancer Metastases Using Barcoded Patient Derived Xenografts
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,161.00
Summary
Breast cancer mortality is largely due to metastases that seed from the primary tumour. Breast tumours are known to contain a heterogeneous mix of cells, but the precise way that cells are selected for tumour growth and metastasis (as well as their response to systemic therapy) is not well understood. In this study we will use patient samples and cellular ‘barcoding’ to track the destiny of every single clone throughout disease progression and study the effect of various therapies on metastasis.
Sympathetic Nervous System Regulation Of The Tumour Microenvironment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$396,212.00
Summary
Metastasis is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in breast cancer. These studies will evaluate the translational opportunity of targeting the sympathetic nervous system as a common regulator of cancer progression pathways. By exploiting sensitive imaging technology for non-invasive, real-time assessment of stress biology, these studies will define the neuroendocrine mechanisms that operate in the tumour microenvironment to support dissemination and arrest of cancer cells in target organs ....Metastasis is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in breast cancer. These studies will evaluate the translational opportunity of targeting the sympathetic nervous system as a common regulator of cancer progression pathways. By exploiting sensitive imaging technology for non-invasive, real-time assessment of stress biology, these studies will define the neuroendocrine mechanisms that operate in the tumour microenvironment to support dissemination and arrest of cancer cells in target organs.Read moreRead less