The Role And Inheritance Of Constitutional Epimutations In Early-onset Colorectal Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$347,551.00
Summary
Traditionally familial cancers are thought to be caused by spelling mistakes within the genetic code of cancer prevention genes. Our group has found that chemical attachments to one gene (MLH1) stops it working, even where there is no spelling mistake, and that those chemical changes can be inherited in families with bowel cancer. We will determine how frequently this type of defect occurs in bowel cancer patients, how and why it arises, and if other cancer genes are similarly affected.
Mapping And Identification Of Novel Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$354,419.00
Summary
Breast cancer is one of Australia?s major cancer problems, but we still do not fully understand why certain people are at higher risk of the disease than others. In recent years two genes have been shown to be abnormal in a small number of people with strong family history of breast cancer and-or ovarian cancer. This study will search for the identity of other genes of this kind. It will take advantage of a large network of researchers which has been working to recruit women with a strong family ....Breast cancer is one of Australia?s major cancer problems, but we still do not fully understand why certain people are at higher risk of the disease than others. In recent years two genes have been shown to be abnormal in a small number of people with strong family history of breast cancer and-or ovarian cancer. This study will search for the identity of other genes of this kind. It will take advantage of a large network of researchers which has been working to recruit women with a strong family history of breast cancer from around Australia over the last two years. In this short time such large numbers of women have come forward that a study of this kind will be among the largest in the world. The results of this research, in terms of location of possible new genes causing high risk of breast cancer, will be shared with other researchers in Europe and the US who are working toward the same goals. This will ensure that progress is as rapid as possible. Based on experience with the two previously discovered breast cancer genes, this research will also shed light on the types of changes that drive the malignancy of breast cancer cells. It will have implications for improved prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.Read moreRead less
Epimutations As Germ-line Defects In Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$385,925.00
Summary
Traditionally familial cancers were thought to be caused and inherited by spelling mistakes within the genetic code of cancer prevention genes. Our group has found that a 'chemical coat' around the MLH1 gene, causing it to be switched off, can also be inherited in some cases of bowel cancer, without any mistakes within the gene's code. We will determine if this 'coat' causes other types of cancer and if this runs in families. We also hope to find out how the coat is formed and may be reversed.
Clinical Outcomes In Individuals With An Inherited Predisposition To Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$606,015.00
Summary
Genes have recently been identified which, when abnormal, result in an inherited tendency towards developing breast cancer (BC). It is now possible to undergo testing for abnormalities in these genes. However, there is little known about the best ways to prevent cancer or detect it early in individuals with such a gene abnormality. In addition, it is possible that BCs occuring in women with a gene abnormality might behave differently (have a different prognosis and thus require different treatme ....Genes have recently been identified which, when abnormal, result in an inherited tendency towards developing breast cancer (BC). It is now possible to undergo testing for abnormalities in these genes. However, there is little known about the best ways to prevent cancer or detect it early in individuals with such a gene abnormality. In addition, it is possible that BCs occuring in women with a gene abnormality might behave differently (have a different prognosis and thus require different treatment) from other BCs. Answers to these important questions are essential for women to be able to make informed decisions about how best to reduce their risk of developing, or dying from, BC. This study will examine the clinical outcomes of individuals (both those who have not yet developed cancer and those who have) with an inherited tendency to BC. The study has 2 components; each builds on one of 2 existing Australian studies of hereditary BC 1) Is the likely clinical outcome (prognosis) different for BC patients with a gene abnormality compared to those without? The cancer and treatment details of BC patients in Melbourne and Sydney who are already enrolled in the Australian Breast Cancer Family Study will be examined to determine whether those with a gene abnormality have a better or worse outcome than those without. 2) What factors impact on the clinical outcome (development of cancer) in well individuals with an inherited tendency to BC? An Australia-wide study of inherited BC (kConFab) has recruited families with a strong family history of BC. The family history, lifestyle, exposure to female hormones, cancer screening and preventive surgery details of all individuals in the study will be collected 3 years following study entry. Ultimately this information should help determine how best to prevent cancer in such individuals.Read moreRead less
Risk Factors, Screening, Prophylaxis And Outcomes In Individuals From Breast Cancer Families: KConFab Follow-Up Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$510,675.00
Summary
Having a strong family history of breast cancer is one of the most important risk factors for the disease. Two major genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, have been identified which, when abnormal, result in an inherited tendency towards developing breast cancer. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer can undergo testing for these gene abnormalities via Family Cancer Centres around Australia. However, once a gene abnormality is found, little is known about the best ways to prevent cancer or detec ....Having a strong family history of breast cancer is one of the most important risk factors for the disease. Two major genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, have been identified which, when abnormal, result in an inherited tendency towards developing breast cancer. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer can undergo testing for these gene abnormalities via Family Cancer Centres around Australia. However, once a gene abnormality is found, little is known about the best ways to prevent cancer or detect it early. The Kathleen Cuningham Consortium for Research into Familial Aspects of Breast Cancer (kConFab) has been recruiting families with exceptionally strong histories of breast cancer since 1997. kConFab is funded to collect epidemiological information and biological specimens on such individuals only at the time of their initial recruitment. In 2000 the NHMRC recognised the importance of undertaking clinical follow-up of this precious cohort of individuals, and provided funding through a 3 year project grant to commence the first round of 3 yearly follow-up on this cohort (NHMRC Project Grant #145684). The first 2 years of this follow-up has been completed successfully and the current is application is for a renewal of funding (to commence in 2004) to enable us to undertake further follow-up of the now much larger cohort. In the short term we will examine the screening and preventive surgery behaviours of high risk women within this study to determine whether they are optimal. The ultimate aim of this long term follow-up of individuals in kConFab is to determine what factors impact on the development of cancer in well individuals with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer.Read moreRead less
Determining Patients And Doctors Preferences For Chemotherapy And Incorporating Them Into Clinical Decision-making
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$87,234.00
Summary
Chemotherapy improves survival in early lung cancer and advanced ovarian cancer but has significant side effects. Recent advances in chemotherapy have not been widely adopted because of differing opinions about whether the benefits of these treatments outweigh their harms. This research program will determine the benefits that patients and their doctors judge necessary to make these treatments worthwhile, and how best to incorporate this information into clinical discussions and decision-making.
Identifying The Targets Of MiRNA Regulation In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$290,600.00
Summary
microRNAs are noncoding RNAs with fundamental functions in biology and significant roles disease. microRNAs control gene expression by destroying RNA or controlling its translation into cellular proteins. To determine how certain microRNAs cause human disease it is essential to know their RNA targets. We are developing methods to identify these targets and aim to apply these methods to identify the targets of microRNAs with known roles in cancer.
Integrin Beta3 As A Therapeutic Target For Breast Cancer Metastasis To Bone
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,675.00
Summary
There are limited effective treatments for advanced breast cancer. The project investigates the role of a protein called integrin beta3 in the spread of breast tumours to bone, the most common site of secondary tumour formation (metastasis) in breast cancer patients. We will determine if the presence of integrin beta3 in breast tumours identifies patients at risk of developing bone metastases and test novel drugs against integrin beta3 in mice.
I am a medical oncologist and tumour immunologist, dedicated to basic and translational clinical research particularly in the field of urological cancer and also in melanoma.