The behaviour of prostate cancer cells is regulated by their surrounding environment known as the stroma. The stroma has been proposed as a therapeutic target, but it is a diverse mix of cells that needs to be specifically targeted. Not all stromal cells are equal; cells surrounding tumours have different features from cells in normal tissue. Therefore, the goal of this project is to directly isolate cancer-associated stromal cells from patient tissue and study their role in cancer progression.
Targeting Prostate Cancer And Metastases With Novel Anti-tumour Drugs.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$292,639.00
Summary
Prostate cancer is highly aggressive, causing one death every 4 minutes. It is the most common tumour and is the second highest cause of cancer death in men in Western society. Once it escapes the prostate and spreads to other parts of the body it cannot be cured. Current treatment options are limited and cause debilitating side effects. In this study I will investigate a new class of anticancer drugs developed in my host laboratory for prostate cancer treatment.
Linking Estrogens, Prostatitis And Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$291,309.00
Summary
Prostatitis is very common and a significant health issue that affects men from their 20's. Estrogens promote inflammation and inflammation is associated with the development of cancer. If this study links estrogens, prostatitis and prostate cancer, we can provide better treatment for prostatitis, thus preventing progression to prostate cancer
Identifying Mechanisms Of Resistance To Novel Hormonal Agents In Patients With Castrate-resistant Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,004.00
Summary
I am a medical oncologist focused on prostate cancer, a disease which kills over 3000 Australian men every year. Recent studies have shown that new hormone treatments help men with advanced prostate cancer live longer. Unfortunately, while these drugs are effective when first started, prostate cancers eventually become resistant to them and start growing again. By looking at why these drugs stop working, I hope to find better treatments for Australian men with advanced prostate cancer.
Effects Of Testosterone And Oestrogen On Body Composition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$348,768.00
Summary
Masculinising and feminising hormones such as testosterone and oestrogen respectively are important hormones controlling the amount of muscle, fat and bone in the body. By studying people with conditions such as prostate cancer where these hormone levels are disrupted, we aim to understand how testosterone and oestrogen affects various body systems, which may lead to new treatments for important public health problems of frailty, obesity and heart disease, and osteoporosis.