Local Sleep In The Awake Brain: An Underlying Cause Of Neurobehavioural Deficits In Sleep Apnea?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$582,330.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder which significantly impacts daytime functioning leading to excessive sleepiness, and problems with attention and thinking. Currently, the causes for cognitive impairment in OSA (including attentional lapses and performance deficits) are poorly understood. In the awake state, groups of neurons can briefly go “offline” as they do in sleep. These periods of “local sleep” may explain impaired task performance in OSA.
STICs And STONes: A Randomised, Phase II, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Of Aspirin In Chemoprevention Of Ovarian Cancer In Women With BRCA1 And BRCA2 Mutations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$653,892.00
Summary
Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene abnormality are at increased risk of ovary and fallopian tube (O&FT) cancers and often have their O&FTs removed to prevent cancer. Microscopic cancers are often seen at the time of surgery. Some studies suggest that aspirin might reduce O&FT cancer risk. This study will assign women to daily aspirin or placebo for 6-24 months before their preventive O&FT surgery. It will provide a better understanding of how O&FT cancers start and the influence aspirin may have.
Molecular Subtype Specific Therapy In High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$832,254.00
Summary
High grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) is the most common type of ovarian cancer, accounting for about two thirds of all deaths from the disease.Several years ago we identified distinct subtypes of HGSC (C1, C2, C4, C5) based on patterns of gene activity. We found that women with the C5 subtype generally had poor survival, and we mapped genes that were specifically active in C5 tumours. In this application we aim to develop therapies that are specifically targeted to the C5 HGSC.
IMPROVE - Investigating Medication Re-Purposing To Reduce Risk Of OVarian Cancer And Extend Survival
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$430,196.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer is the 6th most common cause of cancer death in women and the proportion of women who die from their disease has not improved substantially over time. This large-scale study will use de-identified data from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the Australian Cancer Database and the National Death Index to investigate whether medications commonly used for other conditions can help decrease the risk of ovarian cancer developing or improve survival from ovarian cancer after diagnosis.
Molecular Determinants Of Advanced Disease In Ovarian Granulosa Cell Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,244.00
Summary
Granulosa cell tumours of the ovary (GCT) represent 5-10% of malignant ovarian cancers. They are distinct from the more common epithelial tumours and although considered to have a much better prognosis, they have a propensity to late recurrence. Recurrent or aggressive GCT have a poor prognosis. These studies will investigate the molecular basis of recurrence and aggressive behaviour in GCT. This will provide both prognostic information and also potential therapeutic targets.
The Ovarian Cancer Prognosis And Lifestyle (OPAL) Study: Long-term Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$871,657.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer affects 1500 women each year in Australia and 5-year survival is <45%. Affected women thus face a poor prognosis and often ask what they can do to improve this. There is no direct evidence whether a woman’s lifestyle might influence her outcomes, although data from breast cancer suggest this is possible. The OPAL Study is following 960 women with ovarian cancer to identify whether lifestyle is associated with long-term survival to provide evidence for women with this disease.
A Novel Protease And Growth Factor Regulated Signalling System In Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$856,743.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynaecologic cancer death. Our project focuses on the role in ovarian cancer of a cellular receptor called CDCP1. We have previously shown that CDCP1 promotes growth and spread of ovarian tumours. Recently we have generated new data indicating that CDCP1’s activity is markedly increased by other proteins called proteases and growth factors. In this project we will define how these new pathways function, and if their blockade impedes ovarian cancer.
A New Anti-Diabetes Drug As A Novel Therapy For Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$711,966.00
Summary
New treatments are urgently needed to improve the chances of survival for patients diagnosed with high grade epithelial ovarian tumours. This project will investigate the application of a new class of anti-diabetes medications as an adjunct therapy for cancer patients.
Improving Outcomes From Ovarian Cancer: Building The Evidence To Help Women Help Themselves
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,839,772.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer affects 1300 women each year in Australia and 5-year survival is <45%. Women with this cancer thus face a poor prognosis and many ask what they can do to improve this. There is no direct evidence whether a woman’s lifestyle might influence her outcomes, although data from breast cancer suggest this is possible. The OPAL Study will follow 1200 women with ovarian cancer to identify whether lifestyle is associated with survival to provide guidance for women with this disease.
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.