Circulating Tumour DNA (ctDNA) As A Diagnostic Tool In Colorectal Cancer: Role In Screening And Early Detection Of Metastatic Or Recurrent Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,478.00
Summary
These studies will be exploring the value of using a blood test to detect cancer DNA as a screening test for colorectal cancer. This test promises to be superior to faecal blood testing, which is currently performed as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. It may also have advantages over colonoscopy as a screening tool. Given the likely acceptability of having a blood based screening test, it is expected that participation rates in bowel cancer screening, which has been shown to ....These studies will be exploring the value of using a blood test to detect cancer DNA as a screening test for colorectal cancer. This test promises to be superior to faecal blood testing, which is currently performed as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. It may also have advantages over colonoscopy as a screening tool. Given the likely acceptability of having a blood based screening test, it is expected that participation rates in bowel cancer screening, which has been shown to save lives, will be greatly increased.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Molecular Basis Of Inherent And Acquired Resistance To Targeted Therapies In Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$107,750.00
Summary
Targeted therapies aim to block cancer growth by interfering with specific molecules needed for its development and progression. Targeted therapies have led to improved responses and survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. However, not all patients benefit from these treatments, and most patients who do respond eventually develop resistance. The aim of this research is to understand the mechanisms of resistance to these treatments, in order to improve their use in patients.
Circulating Tumour DNA As A Marker Of Complete Pathological Response And Long Term Outcome For Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Treated With Pre-operative Chemoradiotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,183.00
Summary
Rectal cancers are often treated by chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgery which may result in long-term stoma. A significant proportion of these patients can achieve complete remission to CRT alone. This project will assess the accuracy of a promising blood marker (circulating tumour DNA) for predicting response to treatment in patients with rectal cancer undergoing CRT. If confirmed to be a reliable marker, this test could be used to select patients who may be able to avoid or delay surge ....Rectal cancers are often treated by chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgery which may result in long-term stoma. A significant proportion of these patients can achieve complete remission to CRT alone. This project will assess the accuracy of a promising blood marker (circulating tumour DNA) for predicting response to treatment in patients with rectal cancer undergoing CRT. If confirmed to be a reliable marker, this test could be used to select patients who may be able to avoid or delay surgery.Read moreRead less