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.
Expanding Diagnostic Approaches For Lynch Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,269,355.00
Summary
Currently, there are ~1,000 families who have attended Family Cancer Clinics across Australia who have the hallmarks of having Lynch syndrome, a hereditary bowel cancer syndrome, but who have no gene defect identified, i.e. their cancer is unexplained. Clinicians are challenged by these “Lynch-like” patients as their family cancer risk is unknown. Our research has identified new gene defects in Lynch-like patients. Our aim is to optimise clinical testing approaches for Lynch-like patients.
HEREDITARY ENDOCRINE CANCER: A MODEL BASED ON PHAEOCHROMOCYTOMA- PARAGANGLIOMA SYNDROMES
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$875,894.00
Summary
Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas are tumours remarkable for their very high heritability. They have a high burden of disease themselves, and their associated hereditary syndromes include risks for other malignancies. Our study will rationalize the pathological approach to diagnosing these hereditary syndromes, find new therapeutic targets for metastatic disease, and provide a template for other cancers with high heritable component.
A Novel Role For CBF? As A Regulator Of Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$682,415.00
Summary
Whole genome sequencing studies of human breast tumours identified a handful of common significantly mutated genes, all previously linked to breast cancer, except one, CBF?. Preliminary data from our lab now show that CBF? may be a new regulator of human breast cancer and metastasis. Using mice with altered CBF? levels, breast cancer models and human patient cohorts, this study aims to identify a novel role for CBF? as a new regulator of human breast cancer and potential therapeutic target.
Muir Torre Syndrome: The Role Of IHC And Genotyping In Sebaceous Neoplasia To Facilitate Prevention Strategies In Colorectal And Endometrial Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$396,786.00
Summary
Sebaceous neoplasia (SN), may be an early warning sign for Lynch syndrome (LS), an inherited cancer predisposition caused by mutations in a group of genes. There are high lifetime risks of bowel and uterine cancer, for which there are effective risk management plans if the risk is known. Clinicians are challenged by the role of SN in identifying LS. At present, it is hard to differentiate. We aim to determine features to improve the diagnosis of LS carriers.
Improving Cancer Management By Direct Detection With Diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,549.00
Summary
Despite reliable methods of prostate and breast cancer diagnosis there remains considerable uncertainty as to whether the detected disease will have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. This uncertainty is largely due to the inability of current detection methods to show the extent of disease. This project will address this problem by developing new MRI methods that directly measure the microscopic tissue properties that define cancer.
The Oligoadenylate-RNAseL Pathway May Provide A Specific And Low Toxicity Approach To Therapy For Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,314.00
Summary
We have discovered that a pathway used to fight viral infections can be triggered to produce massive cell death in the mammary gland. We hope to be able to trigger this response in breast cancers through the strategic combination of available drugs. If successful this project will establish a new therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among females which affects 1 in 8 women. Normal cells only divide when they receive a stimulus however cancer cells divide uncontrollably and are able to spread to other sites in the body, a process known as metastasis. We have identified a cancer suppressing gene which regulates cancer spread. This grant aims to characterise the mechanisms by which this gene controls cell movement and breast cancer spread.
Characterisation Of PI3-kinase-dependent Signalling Networks In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$915,182.00
Summary
Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in Australia. Cancer cells are able to spread to other sites in the body by a process known as metastasis which is the leading cause of breast cancer death. We have identified a gene which controls breast cancer growth and metastasis. This grant aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which this gene co-operates with another gene to regulate breast cancer growth and metastasis which thereby may affect disease outcome.
Linking Breast Development To Bone Metastasis: Role For The Osteogenic Transcription Factor Runx2 During Breast Carcinogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$565,145.00
Summary
Bone is the principle metastasis site of breast cancer and represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Runx2 is one potential candidate gene mediating breast cancer metastasis. Using mice with altered Runx2 levels and breast cancer models, this study will examine the role of Runx2 in breast cancer bone metastasis. Identification of a single gene that controls both breast and bone would open a new area of breast cancer research and a new gene against which therapies could be developed.