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.
Deciphering IFN Type III, TGF?, IL-10 And Adenosine Pathways In Natural Killer Cells: Enhancing The Innate Anti-metastatic Response Against Breast Cancer Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,891.00
Summary
This project will determine whether one or more factors produced in tumours (eg. cell hormones and metabolites) inhibits NK cells from controlling breast cancer spread using the best available mouse tumour models. We will use genetics to specifically delete response to these factors by NK cells. It is a completely novel approach and this information will allow for the more rational design of cancer treatments following surgery and local radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.
Treating Insomnia In Patients With Co-existing Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$260,046.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insomnia commonly coexist in the same patient, and can affect how patients adhere to treatment for their OSA. Insomnia can be effectively treated by a clinical psychologist using a technique known as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), but it is currently unclear whether this is effective in patients who also have OSA. This research project will investigate whether treatment of insomnia using CBT in patients who have OSA will improve health outcomes.
Breathing Easier: Optimising Non-Invasive Ventilation Of Preterm Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$266,623.00
Summary
Every year in Australia more than 6000 premature babies need breathing support after birth. My research focuses on improving the application of ‘non-invasive’ breathing supports for premature babies. These therapies can avoid the baby needing to be connected to a mechanical breathing machine, thus reducing the risk of damage to the baby’s fragile lungs. My vision is to better understand the way non-invasive breathing supports work, and to provide world-first evidence for their use.
Immune Modulatory Interventions In People With HIV And Cancer: Prevention, Treatment, And Implications For HIV Eradication.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,644.00
Summary
People with HIV are at increased risk of many cancers. New therapies that target the immune system may be useful in treating these cancers, and may also target the cells where HIV persists thereby assisting in eradication of HIV. This research program includes three clinical studies in people with HIV and cancer: one to learn more about their immunity; one to prevent, and one to treat certain cancers by modulating the immune system. Each also explores any effect on HIV eradication.
The Thrombospondin-1/CD47 Axis In Kidney Transplantation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,528.00
Summary
Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for kidney failure. At transplantation when blood flow is restored to the organ, a massive burst of inflammatory and oxidative products ensues, a process known as “ischaemia-reperfusion injury” (IRI). This damages transplanted organs and activates the immune system, causing organ transplant rejection and loss. This project will investigate the TSP-1/CD47 axis and its manipulation in renal IRI as a focus for reducing organ injury, rejection and tr ....Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for kidney failure. At transplantation when blood flow is restored to the organ, a massive burst of inflammatory and oxidative products ensues, a process known as “ischaemia-reperfusion injury” (IRI). This damages transplanted organs and activates the immune system, causing organ transplant rejection and loss. This project will investigate the TSP-1/CD47 axis and its manipulation in renal IRI as a focus for reducing organ injury, rejection and transplant failure.Read moreRead less
Pharmacological Investigation Of The Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor (GLP-1R)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,948.00
Summary
Family B G protein-coupled receptors represent key therapeutic targets for many conditions, including metabolic, bone, growth and neuronal disorders. However, poor mechanistic understanding of this receptor family impacts on their clinical value. Consequently, this research is aimed at gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of the family B glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor through use of new and novel pharmacological techniques.