Young Onset Colorectal Cancer: Genetics Pathology And Environment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,180.00
Summary
There has been a steady increase since 2002, in the age-standardised incidence of CRC in males under 45 years in Australia, contrasting with the stabilisation in incidence of CRC in males of age 45 years and over. Persons under 50 years are not routinely screened unless they have a significant family history of CRC. Young-onset rectal cancer is associated with late presentations and with a higher mortality. This proposal will address the possible risk factors for young-onset CRC.
Which Modifiable Risk Factors Actually Cause Cancer?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,076.00
Summary
Observational studies suggest that modifiable risk factors such as low vitamin D levels, coffee consumption, alcohol consumption and obesity may be important in cancer risk. However, observational studies can only demonstrate association between a risk factor and cancer, and association does not equal causation. We present an alternative approach to help determine which risk factors actually cause cancer.
Genetic Epidemiology Of Endometrial Cancer: Towards Understanding Aetiology And Improving Risk Prediction.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,573.00
Summary
Studies investigating thousands of genetic markers have revolutionised our understanding of genes involved in cancer, and shown that a single gene can be associated with multiple cancers. We will conduct the largest ever study to find new genes for endometrial cancer, the most common gynaecological cancer. Our unique approach will examine >11million markers across the genome, some specifically in regions known to be important for other cancers. Findings will be used for risk prediction models ....Studies investigating thousands of genetic markers have revolutionised our understanding of genes involved in cancer, and shown that a single gene can be associated with multiple cancers. We will conduct the largest ever study to find new genes for endometrial cancer, the most common gynaecological cancer. Our unique approach will examine >11million markers across the genome, some specifically in regions known to be important for other cancers. Findings will be used for risk prediction models.Read moreRead less
Circulating Tumour DNA (ctDNA) To Guide Adjuvant Chemotherapy And Surveillance Strategies In Patients With Stage II Colon Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,227,186.00
Summary
This study is attempting to demonstrate that an adjuvant therapy strategy based on ctDNA results will reduce the number of patients with stage II colon cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy without compromising recurrence free survival. Prospective multi-centre study enrolling 450 stage II colon cancer patients. Patients will be randomized 2:1 to be treated according to ctDNA results (Arm A, n = 300), or per standard clinical criteria (Arm B, n = 150).
Some advances have been made in identifying genetic factors that underlie susceptibility to prostate cancer but few explain multiple-cases of prostate cancer in families. Linkage studies show that the unexplained familial aggregations of prostate cancer are likely to be explained by mutations in many genes. This research will utilize our prior research, our extensive research resources, new technology and supercomputing to identify genetic factors associated with prostate cancer susceptibility.
Identification Of Novel Genes Predisposing To Familial Colorectal Cancer By Full Exome Sequencing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$158,188.00
Summary
A third of people who develop bowel cancer have a family history of the condition. Currently, we only understand the genes involved in a small number of these families. This proposal will use new genetic techniques to look for gene faults in the remaining families by sequencing all an individual’s genes simultaneously. By identifying new genes, we can accurately assess family members’ bowel cancer risk, effectively target surveillance and help reduce their risk of developing bowel cancer.
We will conduct a study of more than 500 Australian female twin pairs in which one or both have had breast cancer. We will also study measured and unmeasured genetic and environmental causes of risk factors.
Integration Of Genetic Testing For Risk Associated Genomic Variants And Rare Predisposition Genes Into The Management Of High Risk Hereditary Breast Cancer Families
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,457.00
Summary
Breast Cancer is a common disease with up to 20% of cases associated with a family history. This project aims to assess the contribution of recently identified risk associated genomic variants and rare predisposition genes to the heritability of familial breast cancer. The project will also assess the experience of clinicians and patients as we aim to use this information to help improve the process of risk assessment and genetic counselling in the specialist Familial Cancer Centres.
The CRISP Trial: An RCT Of Risk Assessment And Decision Support To Implement Risk-stratified Colorectal Cancer Screening In Primary Care.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$936,641.00
Summary
There is a mismatch between people’s use of bowel cancer screening tests through faecal occult blood testing or colonoscopy and their individual risk of bowel cancer. Building on the work of our NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence (CRE) on Optimising Colorectal Cancer Screening, this trial will test the effect of an electronic risk assessment tool, implemented in general practice, on use of the most appropriate screening test for bowel cancer based on a person’s risk of developing the condition
IPrevent: Development And Pilot Testing Of An Evidence-based, Tailored, Computerised Risk Assessment And Decision Support Tool To Facilitate Discussions About Breast Cancer Prevention And Screening Measures.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,143.00
Summary
Women at increased risk for breast cancer should be identified and offered prevention and intensified screening. Yet most women don’t know their personal risk for breast cancer. We will develop a user friendly, computerised tool which, used with her doctor, will help each woman understand her personal breast cancer risk and the benefits and disadvantages of prevention and screening strategies. It will empower women to understand and take control of their breast cancer risk.