Novel Inhibition Of Cancer Cell Growth In Gastrointestinal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$47,474.00
Summary
This research project will focus on new treatment targets for gastrointestinal malignancies, focusing on the mTOR pathway which is important in driving cancer cell growth. The mTOR inhibitor drug Everolimus will be used in colon and biliary tract cancers to look for novel biomarkers of response and resistance to treatment, using cancer cell lines and correlative analysis with data obtained from patients' tumour samples and clinical assessment in current trials.
Early Detection Of Melanoma Metastases Using MicroRNA As Novel Biomarkers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$109,363.00
Summary
The use of a minimally invasive blood test to measure the circulating levels of melanoma-specific miRNAs may provide a rapid assessment for clinical management of the disease during dissemination of the tumour. This work has the potential to provide new prognostic markers for melanoma as well as to identify new gene targets for the design of rational therapies to treat this disease.
Advancing Diagnostics For The Congenital Muscular Dystrophies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$69,500.00
Summary
The congenital muscular dystrophies are muscle diseases with onset in infancy. They cause slowly progressive weakness and increasing disability. For more than half, a specific diagnosis cannot be achieved with current diagnostic techniques, frequently generating significant anxiety for families. This research will use an exciting new genetic technique called exome sequencing to provide fundamental insights into the genetic basis of these diseases, thus improving diagnosis, counselling and treatm ....The congenital muscular dystrophies are muscle diseases with onset in infancy. They cause slowly progressive weakness and increasing disability. For more than half, a specific diagnosis cannot be achieved with current diagnostic techniques, frequently generating significant anxiety for families. This research will use an exciting new genetic technique called exome sequencing to provide fundamental insights into the genetic basis of these diseases, thus improving diagnosis, counselling and treatment.Read moreRead less
Microsimulation Modelling Of Post-Polypectomy Colonoscopy Surveillance Strategies For The Prevention Of Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$101,535.00
Summary
This research will provide a comprehensive evidence-based framework for post-polypectomy endoscopic surveillance in bowel cancer screening. A population-based micro-simulation model of colorectal cancer development will be used to perform epidemiological and health economic evaluations of Australian and international endoscopic surveillance guidelines. These will help inform policy that will potentially lead to improvements in bowel cancer screening and surveillance programs in Australia.
Quantifying Breast Cancer Over-diagnosis In An Organized Mammography Screening Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,314.00
Summary
While breast screening reduces breast cancer deaths by finding cancers earlier, it may also find cancers that would never have required treatment. Currently there is no clear consensus about the level over-diagnosis. This study will examine the extent of over-diagnosis by comparing the breast screening histories of women diagnosed with breast cancer and women who have not had breast cancer. Findings will inform policy on breast screening in Australia.
Role Of Proline-rich Tyrosine Kinase 2 (Pyk2) In Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$85,254.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynaecological cancers in the developed world. Elevated levels of gonadotropin hormones and cell protein Pyk2 have been implicated in ovarian cancer. Our aim is to determine the role of Pyk2 in growth and metastasis of ovarian cancer when stimulated with gonadotropins. In addition, we aim to identify protein changes which occur in ovarian cancer when stimulated by gonadotropins in order to identify new biomarkers for the disease.
Circulating Tumour DNA As A Personalized Biomarker In ER Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
This PhD aims to study the use of liquid biopsies for disease monitoring in metastatic estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. Liquid biopsies involve looking for circulating cancer-specific genetic material in the blood stream. Through the use of liquid biopsies, we hope to understand genetic differences and heterogeneity within metastatic breast cancer; identify potential therapeutic targets; and examine the mechanisms of treatment resistance to facilitate personalised cancer therapy.
Anal Cancer Examination (ACE) Study - Annual Anal Examinations To Detect Early Anal Cancer In HIV Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$60,926.00
Summary
Anal cancer is the most frequently occurring (non-AIDS defining) cancer in HIV positive men who have sex with men. There are still no guidelines for how to screen for this cancer. This research aims to determine the feasibility of implementing an annual anal examination to detect early anal cancer in HIV positive men who have sex with men.
Assessment Of The Effects Of Pathogenic Germline TP53 Mutations; International Sarcoma Kindred Study Participants’ Views Of Feedback Of Genetic Research Results And The Acceptability Of Taking Part In A Pilot Screening Programme
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$55,242.00
Summary
The International Sarcoma Kindred Study (ISKS) aims to identify individuals who harbour germline TP53 mutations. TP53 mutations are characterised by the development of multiple cancers including sarcoma. This project will assess ISKS participants’ views of the feedback of genetic research information and will develop sensitive feedback practices. The acceptability and psychological impact of taking part in a pilot screening protocol designed for cancer-prone populations will also be assessed.
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.