A number of previous studies have shown high levels of two proteins, STC1 and STC2, in a substantial subset of breast cancers. We are proposing to do the first definitive analyses of whether these hormone-like proteins contribute to breast cancer growth. If yes, they are suitable targets for development of new treatments.
SNAC2: A Randomised Trial Of Extending Sentinel Node Based Management To Women With Larger Or Multifocal Breast Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,266,430.00
Summary
SNAC2 extends the work begun in SNAC1, which recruited 1,088 women over 4 years. SNAC1 will determine if sentinel node biopsy causes less arm problems than axillary clearance. The goal of SNAC2 is to establish the risk of local recurrence and long term safety of sentinel node biopsy, especially for women with larger or multiple tumours. SNAC2 is needed to determine whether the smaller operation gives cure rates as good as axillary clearance. If it does, then it will become standard practice.
To understand the genetic basis of two of the most important cancers in women, breast and ovarian cancer. The team has already identified one gene that confers a very high risk of breast cancer and may account for a large proportion of 'familial' breast cancer. Their aim is to identify additional predisposition genes and to determine their normal function in the cell, as well as the way in which they contribute to the development of cancer
Predictive And Prognostic Factors From The Tumour Microenvironment In Breast Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$68,378.00
Summary
While most of the current treatments available are directed against cancerous tumour cells, there is increasing evidence that other factors within the tumour mass (or tumour microenvironment) may have an impact on prognosis. These factors include the lack of tissue oxygen and the immune response mounted by the body against the tumour cells. The impact of these factors on prognosis and their association with microRNAs (small RNA fragments which control protein production) will be investigated.
Breast CAncer STratification: Understanding The Determinants Of Risk And Prognosis Of Molecular Subtypes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$472,984.00
Summary
Breast cancer is not one disease, but many different types with different causes, treatments and outcomes. The aim of this project is to use genetic, lifestyle/environmental, mammographic breast density, pathologic and clinical data froma very large number of studies from all over the world to develop ways of predicting which women are at risk of particuar types of breast cancer, and if breast cancer develops what the likely outcome will be.
Developing Microenvironment-based Prognostic Biomarkers For Early Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Approximately 20% of breast cancer patients are now diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), an early stage where tumour cells are confined within the ducts of the breast and pose no threat to life. Once cells spread beyond the duct into surrounding breast tissue, risk of spread increases dramatically. This project aims to use a unique set of patient samples to identify markers that predict DCIS patients that are most at risk of spread, to personalise therapy to and reduce over-treatment.
Elf5 And The Basis For Antiestrogen Resistant Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,181,326.00
Summary
Resistance to anti estrogen therapies causes half of breast cancer deaths. We have recently discovered (Plos Biol 2012) that the transcription factor Elf5 is intimately involved in this process. This grant will develop our understanding of the transcriptional and genomic events involving Elf5 that lead to antiestrogen resistance and metatstasis, to develop new models of antiestrogen resistance, biomarkers that predict antiestrogen resistance and new therapeutic targets and strategies that preven ....Resistance to anti estrogen therapies causes half of breast cancer deaths. We have recently discovered (Plos Biol 2012) that the transcription factor Elf5 is intimately involved in this process. This grant will develop our understanding of the transcriptional and genomic events involving Elf5 that lead to antiestrogen resistance and metatstasis, to develop new models of antiestrogen resistance, biomarkers that predict antiestrogen resistance and new therapeutic targets and strategies that prevent antiestrogen resistance.Read moreRead less
The Transcription Factor ZNF652: Deciphering Its Role In Breast Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$342,996.00
Summary
From our continuing research we have shown a protein called ZNF652 is involved in cancer. This proposal focuses on the role of this gene in the spread of cancer within the breast and to other organs. We will determine its role in a process where a cancer cell changes its characteristics to make it more likely to spread to other tissues. Our preliminary results suggest ZNF652 could be a marker that will predict poor prognosis. This proposal will further investigate this finding.
SNAC1:A Randomised Trial Of Sentinel Node Based Management Versus Axillary Clearance For Women With Small Breast Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,338,436.00
Summary
SNAC1 compares two operations for assessing cancer spread to the lymph nodes in women with early breast cancer: 1) axillary clearance and 2)sentinel node biopsy. Axillary clearance involves removal of most lymph nodes in the armpit. In sentinel node biopsy only a few lymph nodes most closely related to the breast cancer are removed. The trial will determine if sentinel node biopsy reduces lymphoedema and gives equivalent cure rates. If it does, then it should become standard practice.