An International Whole Genome Study To Definitively Map Heritable Risk In Sarcomas
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$836,550.00
Summary
We want to understand why some people get sarcomas, and others do not. This is likely due to genetic causes, because these cancers affect the young. We now have the tools to address this question, and have created the largest and best characterised study of sarcoma families in the world upon which to apply these tools. This project will create an enduring foundation for research into the genetic basis of sarcomas for the next 20 years.
The Effect Of Exogenous Hormones, Smoking And HPV On The Incidence Of Screen Detected Pre-invasive Cervical Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,201,168.00
Summary
Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in women internationally. About 15,000 women are detected in NSW annually as having pre-invasive cervical cancer (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade I, II or III). Infection with certain high risk human papillomaviruses is known to be necessary for the development of cervical cancer. In addition, recent long term exposure to smoking and to hormonal contraception are two new factors considered as independent risk factors for ....Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in women internationally. About 15,000 women are detected in NSW annually as having pre-invasive cervical cancer (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade I, II or III). Infection with certain high risk human papillomaviruses is known to be necessary for the development of cervical cancer. In addition, recent long term exposure to smoking and to hormonal contraception are two new factors considered as independent risk factors for the disease. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) preparations taken around the menopause are a similar composition to hormonal contraceptives, (oestrogen and progestogen), therefore women on HRT may also be at increased risk. No comprehensive study exists internationally to measure the relative importance of these exogenous hormones on the development of pre-invasive cervical cancer in a way that is of public health relevance (e.g. recent long-term use of oral contraceptives and time since stopped, and among smokers and non-smokers). No Australian data are available on the proportion of women who are current users of hormonal contraceptives or HRT. No local prevalence data on the major high risk HPV subtypes (e.g. 16, 18, 33, 45) are available for Australia to describe its distribution and to inform the cervical screening program and future vaccine initiatives. The NSW Pap Test Register holds the screening history of all women on the cervical screening program, hence this is an ideal source for recruiting a representative sample into a study. We wish to conduct a large study of ~2600 NSW women using the NSW Pap Test Register to measure the relative importance of hormones, smoking and HPV infection on the development of CIN II or III.Read moreRead less
Improving Sexual Health In Men With Prostate Cancer: Randomised Controlled Trial Of Exercise And Psychosexual Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,416.00
Summary
Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common and distressing side effects of prostate cancer. Despite being a critical survivorship care issue, there is a clear gap in knowledge surrounding the optimal treatment of sexual dysfunction in men with prostate cancer. This project examines whether exercise aids in the management of sexual dysfunction and explores if an integrated treatment model incorporating pharmacological, exercise and psychosexual therapies maximises improvement in sexual health.
Precision Nanomedicine-based Diagnostics And Therapeutics For Refractory Malignancies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,329,484.00
Summary
The vast majority of cancer patients die of their disease due to the emergence of drug resistant cancer cells or metastatic disease that is diagnosed at late stages. Our program aims to develop new types of therapy to specifically target aggressive cancers. To detect cancer early and evaluate the effectiveness of cancer therapy, we will develop sensitive diagnostic tools and devices. This research has application to both childhood and adult cancers.
Real-time Optical Window Imaging Of AKT-FRET Biosensor Mice To Maximise PI3K/AKT Drug Targeting Within The Hypoxic Microenvironment Of Pancreatic Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$683,447.00
Summary
Inefficient drug response in solid tumour tissue is often a limiting factor in the clinical effectiveness of cancer therapies. Using cutting-edge imaging technology and 3D models that mimic the disease, we have mapped areas of poor drug response within distinct regions of tumours with low oxygen levels known as hypoxia. Here, we will specifically target factors limiting efficient drug targeting in these areas to improve the encouraging anti-cancer profile of AKT inhibitors in pancreatic cancer.
New Treatments For Epitheliod Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Sarcoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$647,267.00
Summary
Epithelioid Inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma (eIMS) is a rare aggressive cancer, most common in of childhood and young adults. This cancer has been scarcely studied due to its rarity and is not cured by standard chemotherapeutic regimes. Our investigations will extensively characterise eIMS samples from recently diagnosed patients, and apply a new laboratory model to discover more effective drugs and improve treatment outcomes.
Molecular Markers Of Phenotype, Therapeutic Responsiveness And Prognosis In Human Cancers.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$11,762,117.00
Summary
This proposal aims to identify molecular markers that can be used to classify subtypes of particular cancers according to their prognosis and response to therapy. This will optimise selection of patients for the most appropriate treatment and lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies.
mTOR signalling in serous ovarian cancer. Serous ovarian cancer is the most aggressive and lethal gynaecological cancer in Australian women. Activation of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) is frequently observed and associated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer patients. However, the mechanisms dysregulating mTOR in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer are unknown. In preliminary studies, deletion of genes regulating mTOR signalling in up to 60 per cent of human serous ovarian cancer patien ....mTOR signalling in serous ovarian cancer. Serous ovarian cancer is the most aggressive and lethal gynaecological cancer in Australian women. Activation of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) is frequently observed and associated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer patients. However, the mechanisms dysregulating mTOR in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer are unknown. In preliminary studies, deletion of genes regulating mTOR signalling in up to 60 per cent of human serous ovarian cancer patients was observed. This project will provide mechanistic details of involvement of mTOR signalling in pathogenesis of the serous ovarian carcinoma, and develop a rationale for targeting mTOR pathway in these patients. Read moreRead less
Infectious And Lifestyle Determinants Of Non-melanoma Skin Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$983,711.00
Summary
Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are the leading cancers in Australia, with about 2% of the population developing them each year. As well as sun exposure, a number of other factors have been thought to effect these cancers. This study will examine if factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and infection with certain skin related human papillomaviruses also increase their risk. Even a small effect may make a big difference when it comes to preventing these common cancers.
Epigenetic Changes In The Prostate Cancer Microenvironment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$848,954.00
Summary
Many men with prostate cancer have slow-growing tumours that are unlikely to spread outside the prostate. These men with low-risk cancer are often monitored to prevent unnecessary aggressive treatments. However, the current methods used to distinguish between slow-growing and aggressive tumours are imprecise and there is a risk of missing aggressive tumours. We aim to identify new biomarkers of prostate cancer by measuring modifications to the DNA in the tumour and surrounding cells