Control Of Cell Proliferation And Differentiation In Breast And Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,043,011.00
Summary
Breast and prostate cancer are the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women and men respectively, together accounting for >25% of all newly diagnosed cancers in Australia and other developed countries. Although significant improvements in the management of these cancers have occurred in the past 20 years further research is needed to better understand the molecular mechanisms of disease development and progression. Such research is critical to the better management and ultimate control of the ....Breast and prostate cancer are the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women and men respectively, together accounting for >25% of all newly diagnosed cancers in Australia and other developed countries. Although significant improvements in the management of these cancers have occurred in the past 20 years further research is needed to better understand the molecular mechanisms of disease development and progression. Such research is critical to the better management and ultimate control of these diseases through better treatments and prevention. A multidisciplinary team of cancer researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, with a 10 year track record of discovery and application of their research into breast and prostate cancer, will employ state-of-the-art research tools to identify new molecules and molecular pathways involved in these diseases. This new information will facilitate the improved management of these cancers through improved assessment of disease progression at the time of diagnosis and the development of new drugs and strategies for treatment and prevention.Read moreRead less
Role Of Pacemaker Cells In The Generation Of Slow Wave Activity In The Prostate Gland
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$231,500.00
Summary
The prostate gland commonly enlarges in ageing males resulting in a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia which is poorly understood. Because of the strategic position of the prostate, its enlargement physically compresses the segment of the urinary system passing through it causing inconvenient and distressing symptoms, such as difficulty and hesitancy in urination, which often require surgical or medical intervention. Indeed patients diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia are of ....The prostate gland commonly enlarges in ageing males resulting in a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia which is poorly understood. Because of the strategic position of the prostate, its enlargement physically compresses the segment of the urinary system passing through it causing inconvenient and distressing symptoms, such as difficulty and hesitancy in urination, which often require surgical or medical intervention. Indeed patients diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia are often treated with pharmacological agents that reduce the size of the prostate or relax the prostate and bladder, thus relieving some of the symptoms. However, the precise cellualr mechanisms by which many of these drugs mediate their effects have not been confirmed. Moreover, although previous studies of the prostate gland have clearly established many of the basic properties of the tissue, there is currently a lack of information regarding the prostate gland at a cellular level. We have recently identified a specialised group of 'interstitial cells' in the prostate gland, which resemble the well-described 'interstitial cells of Cajal' in the gut. In the gut, these cells perform a wide variety of functions including the initiation of contractile activity. Interstitial cells are also thought to play a role in diseases of the bowel. This project aims to investigate the role of the interstitial cells in the functioning of the prostate gland. In addition, the effects of age and hormones on the interstitial cells will be considered, which may lead to a better understanding of conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Finally, identifying nerve-released substances that may affect the activity of these cells may also help identify alternative targets for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.Read moreRead less
Intraprostatic Androgen Signalling As A Target In Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,049.00
Summary
Male hormones (androgens) are the fuel that drives prostate cancer so reducing androgen levels is the standard treatment but cant cure the disease and causes serious side-effects throughout the body. We need to better target androgen withdrawal to prostate cancers and learn more about how it works to improve treatment. This project utilizes unique mouse models for experiments not feasible in humans to learn how androgens act and can be better targeted to cure prostate cancers.
Estrogen Therapy For Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,690.00
Summary
Withdrawal of male hormones in men with prostate cancer is effective therapeutically because it causes cell death in most of the tumour. However the remaining cells (called castrate resistant cells), give rise to recurrent disease that inevitably kills the patient. This project aims to test if our compound will kill these cells and prevent recurrence or if it has any benefit for the patients who have incurable disease.
Characterising The Beneficial Effects Of Estrogen On The Prostate Gland
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,722.00
Summary
Prostate cancer is hormonally regulated and currently managed by androgen ablation. This application seeks to study the potential benefits of estrogen action for the treatment of prostate disease, including PCa. We will show estrogen hormone action causes prostatic cell death, targeting the stem-progenitor cells so the treated prostatic tissue does not regenerate. This project will provide pre-clinical proof of the efficacy of estrogenic compounds as a potential therapy for prostate disease.