Epigenetic Predictors Of Outcome In Malignant Glioma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,720.00
Summary
Human high grade gliomas (HGG) present as heterogeneous disease, primarily defined by the histologic appearance of the tumor cells.Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common illness and continues to have a very poor prognosis, despite the use of multimodality therapy including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. We will use our existing biobank of specimens, clinical information and molecular investigation to identify factors that determine outcomes.
Characterising The Mutations, Signatures, Potential New Therapeutic Targets And Biomarkers In Malignant Mesothelioma Using Whole Genome Analysis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,219,288.00
Summary
Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive tumour that occurs principally in the pleura as a consequence of inhaling asbestos fibres. Currently there is no cure for malignant mesothelioma. Thus new therapeutic approaches are desperately needed. Such new approaches will require a detailed understanding of the genetic lesions of malignant mesothelioma. Therefore we will perform whole genome sequencing of a large cohort of malignant mesothelioma patients to identify mesothelioma-related alterations.
Tracking The Origins And Drivers Of Metastasis In Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,022,600.00
Summary
Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer but only 10% of men with it, will die from it. Our current ability to discriminate between cancers with an indolent course and those that are lethal is poor. This project will examine the mixture of tumour clones (subclones) that are present in prostate cancers and define and track those cancer subclones that break away from the prostate and lodge in distant sites, causing death.
Early Detection Of Melanoma Metastases Using MicroRNA As Novel Biomarkers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$109,363.00
Summary
The use of a minimally invasive blood test to measure the circulating levels of melanoma-specific miRNAs may provide a rapid assessment for clinical management of the disease during dissemination of the tumour. This work has the potential to provide new prognostic markers for melanoma as well as to identify new gene targets for the design of rational therapies to treat this disease.
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death globally. Symptoms may not develop until disease is advanced, so it is often incurable at diagnosis. Scientific developments have greatly improved our ability to test for the changes in DNA structure and function responsible for this deadly disease and its progression. This study examines whole lung cancer genomes then uses these findings to develop safer methods for detection based on changes in DNA sequence.
Genetic Variants, Phenotypic Spectrum And Breast Cancer Risk Associated With Germline Mutations In PALB2: Identifying Female PALB2 Mutation Carriers At The Time Of Diagnosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$45,093.00
Summary
Population studies of female breast cancer (BC) show only a small proportion of familial aspects of BC can be explained by current knowledge of its causes. Women carrying PALB2 mutations who also have a strong family history of BC are of increased risk of BC. Our work will further define the risks and devise criteria to identify women most likely to carry PALB2 mutations. This will help prioritize testing, classify PALB2 variants and provide appropriate clinical management to carriers.