There is a need to improve early detection, monitoring of relapse, and treatments for melanoma, to increase long-term survival. My research vision is to use innovative and cutting edge approaches to conduct a range of complementary studies under three broad but inter-related themes: Theme 1 – Genetic predisposition to melanoma in the general population; Theme 2 – Genetic predisposition to melanoma in high-density families; Theme 3 – Somatic aberrations underlying melanoma development.
We have entered an era where it is now possible to sequence an individual's genetic blueprint. In the case of cancer this can be used to determine the genetic damage that has occurred in cancer cells. This fellowship seeks to carry out large scale sequencing of cancer patient and map out the genetic damage that is common to get a handle on what drives the disease. It will also investigate how personalized mutation detection might improve cancer treatment selection for individual patients.
Defining Genomic Mechanisms Associated With Treatment Response, Drug Resistance And Early Blast Crisis In Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
Chronic myeloid leukaemia is a fatal disease if untreated. Most patients now survive with new drugs, but some still rapidly die. I aim to understand these differences by investigating the genetic makeup of patients at diagnosis. Some may have gene mutations that prevent drugs from working effectively. Mutations will be detected using technology that can search more than 30,000 genes at the same time. This work could lead to improved survival for more patients by finding new targets for therapy.
I am a biochemical geneticist working on inherited disorders that affect the musculoskeletal system. My major focus is determining the molecular basis of muscular dystrophies and bone and cartilage disorders.
Genetics And Genomics Of Breast And Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$714,745.00
Summary
Our knowledge of the number and nature of the genes involved in breast and ovarian cancer is limited. To rapidly define the critical breast and ovarian cancer-causing genes my laboratory uses an integrative genomics approach whereby information from several genome-wide platforms are combined. A key initiative that will underpin much of our work is Lifepool, which is a unique cohort of 100,000 Victorian women attending BreastScreen that will support a range of research into breast cancer.
Meta-research: Using Research To Increase The Value Of Health And Medical Research
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
Improving the return on investment in health and medical research will produce more and faster discoveries that enhance the lives of all Australians. Many problems in the research process are well known and have been pervasive for decades. I will use the research process to improve the research process. I will improve Australia's health and medical research workforce and the quality of the research they produce, creating benefits in multiple fields that last long into the future.
Innovations In Cancer Imaging And Targeted Radiotherapy To Improve Human Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$926,980.00
Summary
Through a process of discovery, development and investigation we will create medical devices and methods to improve cancer imaging and targeted radiotherapy. Successful completion of this program will directly impact on the treatment and lives of Australian cancer patients in the foreseeable future.This program will substantially build research capacity and productivity within Australia, raise Australia’s profile in cancer research and foster international collaboration.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Improving Detection Of Patients At Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$838,845.00
Summary
Sudden cardiac death accounts for ~10% of deaths in our community. Many of these deaths occur in people who could otherwise have had many more years of productive life ahead of them. The aim of our research is to determine the underlying mechanisms so that we can develop better tools for detecting underlying problems before they become life threatening and potentially develop new treatments to modify the underlying causes.
We recently established the Centre for Neurogenetics and Statistical Genomics, a research centre within the Queensland Brain Institute. It was established to bring together a team of researchers with expertise in neurogenetics, neuropsychiatric genetics, statistical genomics and computational biology. During my Fellowship I will conduct research at this Centre to elucidate the genetic basis of neurogenetic diseases and psychiatric disorders, using genomic tools and data analysis.
Growing The Evidence Base For Improved Outcomes In Chronic Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,209.00
Summary
One in eight Australians has kidney disease, and is at increased risk of kidney failure, heart disease and stroke, and premature death. Despite this, very few treatments have been proven to be be effective at improving these outcomes. Professor Perkovic will undertake a suite of high-quality randomised trials and systematic reviews that will reliably identify new treatment approaches that will result in better quality and quantity of life for the millions of Australians affected by kidney diseas ....One in eight Australians has kidney disease, and is at increased risk of kidney failure, heart disease and stroke, and premature death. Despite this, very few treatments have been proven to be be effective at improving these outcomes. Professor Perkovic will undertake a suite of high-quality randomised trials and systematic reviews that will reliably identify new treatment approaches that will result in better quality and quantity of life for the millions of Australians affected by kidney diseaseRead moreRead less