New High-risk Variants For Colorectal Cancer: The Post-GWAS Era
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$710,105.00
Summary
Our aim is to discover new genes that greatly increase bowel cancer risk. If we can identify these carriers we may be able to prevent them getting cancer. By studying DNA related to bowel cancer, using a novel family design, we will identify families most likely to carry the new genes. We will focus genetic testing, using new techniques, to look for mutations in these prioritised families. Identified mutations will be tested in a 3,500 bowel cancer cases to see how important they are.
Identification Of Novel Familial Patterns And Genotypes Associated With Inherited Risk In Adult-onset Sarcoma: The International Sarcoma Kindred Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$552,855.00
Summary
Inherited genetic risk is important in cancers that affect the young. The International Sarcoma Kindred Study (ISKS) is the world's first prospective study aiming to better understand how sarcomas can be inherited in families, and the genes that cause sarcomas. The ISKS is a multinational study led from Australia, with partners in the US, Europe and India, and aims to recruit over 3000 families affected by sarcoma.
Personalised Biomarkers In Breast Cancer Using Circulating Tumour DNA
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$231,060.00
Summary
The measurement of tumour specific circulating DNA in the blood of women with breast cancer has the potential to be utilised as a personalised biomarker and revolutionise the management of this disease. This project aims to improve our understanding of the relationship between circulating tumour DNA, the progression of cancer, and responses to cancer treatment. Furthermore, it aims to address how this new tool can be integrated into clinical practice to provide benefits for women with breast can ....The measurement of tumour specific circulating DNA in the blood of women with breast cancer has the potential to be utilised as a personalised biomarker and revolutionise the management of this disease. This project aims to improve our understanding of the relationship between circulating tumour DNA, the progression of cancer, and responses to cancer treatment. Furthermore, it aims to address how this new tool can be integrated into clinical practice to provide benefits for women with breast cancer.Read moreRead less
Defining Genomic Mechanisms Associated With Treatment Response, Drug Resistance And Early Blast Crisis In Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
Chronic myeloid leukaemia is a fatal disease if untreated. Most patients now survive with new drugs, but some still rapidly die. I aim to understand these differences by investigating the genetic makeup of patients at diagnosis. Some may have gene mutations that prevent drugs from working effectively. Mutations will be detected using technology that can search more than 30,000 genes at the same time. This work could lead to improved survival for more patients by finding new targets for therapy.
Research Fellowship – Genetic Epidemiology Studies Of Hormonal Cancers To Inform Improved Healthcare
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,209.00
Summary
This study aims to identify genetic factors that influence the development of endometrial and other cancers, and to develop statistical and laboratory methods that can better determine if variation in a known cancer gene is disease-causing. The results will be used to identify and prioritise individuals at greatest risk of cancer for the most appropriate clinical management. Discovery of novel cancer genes will improve our understanding of disease development to develop future therapies.
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death globally. Symptoms may not develop until disease is advanced, so it is often incurable at diagnosis. Scientific developments have greatly improved our ability to test for the changes in DNA structure and function responsible for this deadly disease and its progression. This study examines whole lung cancer genomes then uses these findings to develop safer methods for detection based on changes in DNA sequence.
Inherited determinants of cancer aetiology. Family history of cancer is a strong risk factor for many cancers. This project will aim to identify inherited factors influencing risk of developing cancer and those factors influencing the course of the disease and outcomes.
Germline Epimutations Of Tumour Suppressor Genes In Familial Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$502,500.00
Summary
In the case of bowel cancer, studies of the pattern of disease in our community indicate that up to 20% of all bowel cancers has a inherited component . We now know the genetic abnormality in up to 4% of these cases. We have recently discovered a previously unrecognised cause of cancer. Individuals who are affected by this disease may have cancer in the bowel, as well as the breast and womb. In this condition the gene alphabet is correct but the genes are chemically modified. This change called ....In the case of bowel cancer, studies of the pattern of disease in our community indicate that up to 20% of all bowel cancers has a inherited component . We now know the genetic abnormality in up to 4% of these cases. We have recently discovered a previously unrecognised cause of cancer. Individuals who are affected by this disease may have cancer in the bowel, as well as the breast and womb. In this condition the gene alphabet is correct but the genes are chemically modified. This change called methylation means that certain genes are spelt incorrectly or not at all. To date we have found two individuals who have this problem. Our work has shown that these individuals have inherited a genetic change and potentially could pass this change on to their offspring. This grant application seeks to formally pursue this findng. We will study a group of people in whom the genetic cause for their cancer remains unknown. Blood samples from these individuals will be examined for methylation of their DNA. A successful project will lead to a full description of this new type of hereditary cancer, and thus serve as the basis for identifying and effectively managing people and families at risk of this disease. It is likely that identification of individuals who are 'at risk' of cancer will allow us to implement preventative screening strategies. We will also be able to provide reassurance to those family members who have not inherited the methylation abnormality.Read moreRead less