Advanced Technologies For Improved Molecular Diagnostic And Prognostic Of Gastrointestinal Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,477.00
Summary
The aim of this interdisciplinary research is to develop innovative and clinically relevant technologies for improved molecular diagnostic of gastrointestinal cancers. It integrates technological advances in physics, bioengineering and nanoscience with state-of-the-art molecular technologies towards the delivery of both fundamental and translational outcomes. These technologies will be applied to address important fundamental questions such as the role of circulating tumour cells.
Identifying Novel Genome Instability Signatures In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,891.00
Summary
Cancer is the single biggest clinical problem facing the world. An underlying hallmark of cancer is the accumulation of errors in the genetic information of a cell which arises through genomic instability. This research project aims to investigate novel molecules identified by our screening that function in response to genomic instability in cancer. This study is expected to define roles for each molecule in the maintenance of genomic stability and predict for patient diagnosis and outcome.
Using Chromosome Rearrangements As Tumour-specific Markers For Disease Monitoring In Lung Cancer Using Droplet Digital PCR
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,081,335.00
Summary
There are no useful markers apart from CT scans to determine the effectiveness of therapy in patients with lung cancer. We plan to assess highly sensitive methods that can examine the blood to determine whether DNA from the patient’s tumour is present. This will allow more responsive modulation of therapy to enable better management of the cancer.
I am a molecular epidemiologist, studying the environmental and genetic causes of cancer, particularly endometrial and breast cancer. I am studying the molecular markers that act as signatures for the environmental and-or genetic aetiology of a given canc
Novel Molecular Markers Of Lung Cancer Risk And Survival
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$824,765.00
Summary
Lung cancer remains the most lethal cancer worldwide, yet little is known of the risk factors beyond that of tobacco smoking and certain occupational exposures. We have assembled a large international consortium comprising 24 cohort studies and over 10,000 to validate associations between B-vitamins and lung cancer risk particularly in never and former smokers. We propose to expand this study and use the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study and the rest of the consortium to identify novel biomar ....Lung cancer remains the most lethal cancer worldwide, yet little is known of the risk factors beyond that of tobacco smoking and certain occupational exposures. We have assembled a large international consortium comprising 24 cohort studies and over 10,000 to validate associations between B-vitamins and lung cancer risk particularly in never and former smokers. We propose to expand this study and use the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study and the rest of the consortium to identify novel biomarkers of risk and survival.Read moreRead less
The recent cloning of the breast cancer predisposition gene, BRCA1 had an unexpected consequence. Whereas mutations were found in affected individuals from families showing a predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer, mutations were not identified in breast cancers from individuals with no family history. We have identified a type of change called an epigenetic change affecting BRCA1 in breast and ovarian cancers. Epigenetic changes are mechanisms which act at a gene without causing mutations ....The recent cloning of the breast cancer predisposition gene, BRCA1 had an unexpected consequence. Whereas mutations were found in affected individuals from families showing a predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer, mutations were not identified in breast cancers from individuals with no family history. We have identified a type of change called an epigenetic change affecting BRCA1 in breast and ovarian cancers. Epigenetic changes are mechanisms which act at a gene without causing mutations but nevertheless have the stability of genetic change. We plan to examine breast tumours for further epigenetic changes. This project has important implications for our understanding of the development of breast cancer. This new understanding may in turn suggest new strategies for the treatment of breast cancer.Read moreRead less
Molecular Imaging As A Critical Tool In Discovery Of The Basis Of Tumour Heterogeneity And Developing Novel Therapies To Overcome Therapeutic Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$467,961.00
Summary
Determining treatment options for cancer currently relies on the size and extent of tumour deposits on imaging, combined with a biopsy. However, this approach fails to recognise the ability of tumours to evolve components that are, or become, resistant to treatment. My laboratory uses advanced molecular imaging, targeted biopsies, animal models and genetic analysis to detect and understand the basis of such resistance and thereby develop new, targeted treatments to improve patient outcomes.
Molecular Markers Of Phenotype, Therapeutic Responsiveness And Prognosis In Human Cancers.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$11,762,117.00
Summary
This proposal aims to identify molecular markers that can be used to classify subtypes of particular cancers according to their prognosis and response to therapy. This will optimise selection of patients for the most appropriate treatment and lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies.