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.
Microfluidic Strategy For Circulating Tumour Cells Analysis In Cancer Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,180.00
Summary
My approach and ultimate goal over the next 4 years is to demonstrate the use of recently discovered “Nanoshearing” technology as a standard diagnostic tool for cancer patients undergoing systemic therapy and assess the impact of standard protocols in predicting response to therapy and patient outcomes. Data from this study could potentially define new standards of clinical practice, as they relate to follow-up screening for response to therapy and recurrence of disease.
Mitochondrially targeted anti-cancer drugs modulate the mitochondrial genome. Successful cancer management requires novel therapeutical approaches. This project will test the effect of a new class of compounds that target mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cells, where they suppress expression of mitochondrial genes. By this mechanism, cancers that are resistant to apoptosis induction can be inhibited.
Targeting mitochondria with mitocans to treat cancer: mechanistic aspects. Mitochondria are the power-house of the cell and also the reservoir of proteins causing the demise of cancer cells, therefore suppressing tumour progression. This project proposes a novel way to modify certain compounds, increasing their level in mitochondria in order to maximise their anti-cancer effect.
Which Modifiable Risk Factors Actually Cause Cancer?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,076.00
Summary
Observational studies suggest that modifiable risk factors such as low vitamin D levels, coffee consumption, alcohol consumption and obesity may be important in cancer risk. However, observational studies can only demonstrate association between a risk factor and cancer, and association does not equal causation. We present an alternative approach to help determine which risk factors actually cause cancer.
Bayesian statistical models for understanding outcomes and improving decision-making for women screened for breast cancer. This project has two key benefits: (i) the development of frontier statistical methods for spatio-temporal analysis and data synthesis, which are imperative in a wide range of disciplines; and (ii) the application of these methods for improved understanding of breast cancer outcomes for women screened in Queensland. The project results will lead to direct health and financi ....Bayesian statistical models for understanding outcomes and improving decision-making for women screened for breast cancer. This project has two key benefits: (i) the development of frontier statistical methods for spatio-temporal analysis and data synthesis, which are imperative in a wide range of disciplines; and (ii) the application of these methods for improved understanding of breast cancer outcomes for women screened in Queensland. The project results will lead to direct health and financial benefits through targeted policies for increasing screening uptake and reducing cancer morbidity and mortality and therefore health spending in this area. Importantly, the project represents an excellent training opportunity to develop a PhD candidate into an experienced interdisciplinary researcher.Read moreRead less
Caged lanthanides for use in photo-dynamic therapy and near infra-red imaging. The early detection and effective treatment of cancer are two critical factors which determine survivability. This project will provide improved drugs for photo-dynamic therapy and develop emissive probes for near infra-red imaging to allow better discrimination between healthy and diseased tissue and improve subsequent treatment.
KLK4 Is A Master Regulator Of Tumour Microenvironment Remodelling In Prostate Cancer And Bone Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$596,305.00
Summary
The current biomarker for prostate cancer, PSA, belongs to a large family of related proteins called KLK enzymes. We have evidence that one of these enzymes, KLK4, regulates many different pathways involved in tumour spreading especially to bones. This project will determine the specific components involved with a view to finding better biomarkers of tumour spread and bone metastasis and designing better treatments for these aspects of the disease.
We have identified genetic abnormalities in 5% of breast cancers that fall in a novel DNA element called BIME1. This proposal aims to determine whether these genetic abnormalities contribute to breast tumourigenesis and which genes and pathways are affected by these mutations. The outcomes of this proposal may lead to the development of novel therapies for breast cancer or could influence the choice of existing therapies for patients that harbour these genetic abnormalities.
A new hierarchy of mathematical models to quantify the role of ghrelin during cell invasion. Ghrelin is a recently-discovered growth factor that regulates appetite and promotes tumour growth by enhancing cell invasion. The mechanisms by which ghrelin enhances cell invasion are, at present, unknown. This innovative project will develop a new hierarchy of multiscale mathematical models that will be used to quantify how ghrelin modulates cell behaviour (motility, proliferation and death) and provid ....A new hierarchy of mathematical models to quantify the role of ghrelin during cell invasion. Ghrelin is a recently-discovered growth factor that regulates appetite and promotes tumour growth by enhancing cell invasion. The mechanisms by which ghrelin enhances cell invasion are, at present, unknown. This innovative project will develop a new hierarchy of multiscale mathematical models that will be used to quantify how ghrelin modulates cell behaviour (motility, proliferation and death) and provide insight into the precise details of how ghrelin promotes cell invasion. This project will demonstrate the potential for ghrelin-based strategies to control cell invasion. By linking appetite regulation and tumour growth, the outcomes from this project will inform Australian health policy in this important area.Read moreRead less