Anti-metastasis Therapy Via Nanoparticle Mediated Drug Delivery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$835,199.00
Summary
Most cancer deaths are caused by tumours that have spread to other vital organs, a process called metastasis. The common treatment for metastatic disease is chemotherapy, but the amount given is limited by toxicity to the patient. In this project, we are developing a way of delivering the therapies only to tumour cells, thereby sparing normal tissues. We are using nanoparticles that have a molecule on their surface that directs the therapy directly to tumour cells.
Risk Of Recurrence After Diagnosis Of Invasive Breast Cancer By Molecular Subtype As Defined By ER, PR And Her2 Status
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,622.00
Summary
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease. Molecular subtypes have been identified that differ in terms of prognosis and response to treatment. This study aims to estimate recurrence free survival of breast cancer by molecular subtypes in a population-based sample of Australian women. The results will assist clinicians to guide their therapeutic decisions and will inform women about their anticipated outcome after diagnosis of breast cancer.
Deciphering Tumour Heterogeneity Of Breast Cancer Metastases Using Barcoded Patient Derived Xenografts
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,161.00
Summary
Breast cancer mortality is largely due to metastases that seed from the primary tumour. Breast tumours are known to contain a heterogeneous mix of cells, but the precise way that cells are selected for tumour growth and metastasis (as well as their response to systemic therapy) is not well understood. In this study we will use patient samples and cellular ‘barcoding’ to track the destiny of every single clone throughout disease progression and study the effect of various therapies on metastasis.
Using MiR-200 To Find New Therapeutic Targets For Neuroblastoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$563,152.00
Summary
Neuroblastoma is one of the most common cancers in children. We have found that a genetic regulator, called microRNA, can limit the ability of neuroblastoma cells to invade surrounding tissues and metastasise. We aim use the microRNAs to find new therapeutic targets that may work in combination with existing treatments, reducing the short term toxicity and long term deleterious effects of current treatments.
The Sentinel Lymph Node Territories Of The Whole Body And Their Clinical Implications: A Human Cadaver Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,984.00
Summary
Lymph gland screening with isotopes (Lymphoscintigraphy) has revealed unexpected pathways of cancer spread. This study, using an X-ray injection technique in human cadavers, is re-evaluating the outdated Melways Roadmap of lymph vessel pathways. The aims are to give accurate predictions of cancer spread, explain unusual clinical manifestations and to provide a new method of treating lymphoedema, the incapacitating swelling of limbs that may complicate lymph gland surgery or radiotherapy.
Treating Metastatic Melanoma With Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy And IMmune Pathway ACTivation (SABR-IMPACT)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$185,445.00
Summary
Metastatic melanoma has historically had extremely poor survival. Drugs that activate the immune system provide some hope, and in the minority who respond survival beyond 10 years is possible. Radiotherapy causes local tumour death resulting in antigen exposure and systemic effects that may also stimulate the immune system. The combination of radiotherapy and immune activating drugs may be synergistic and result in improved survival for a greater proportion of patients.