Bayesian statistical models for understanding outcomes and improving decision-making for women screened for breast cancer. This project has two key benefits: (i) the development of frontier statistical methods for spatio-temporal analysis and data synthesis, which are imperative in a wide range of disciplines; and (ii) the application of these methods for improved understanding of breast cancer outcomes for women screened in Queensland. The project results will lead to direct health and financi ....Bayesian statistical models for understanding outcomes and improving decision-making for women screened for breast cancer. This project has two key benefits: (i) the development of frontier statistical methods for spatio-temporal analysis and data synthesis, which are imperative in a wide range of disciplines; and (ii) the application of these methods for improved understanding of breast cancer outcomes for women screened in Queensland. The project results will lead to direct health and financial benefits through targeted policies for increasing screening uptake and reducing cancer morbidity and mortality and therefore health spending in this area. Importantly, the project represents an excellent training opportunity to develop a PhD candidate into an experienced interdisciplinary researcher.Read moreRead less
Validation Of A Multiplexed Blood Based Screening Assay For The Diagnosis Of Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$556,712.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in Australia with poor patient outcome due to late detection of the disease. We have developed a simple blood based test that can diagnose individuals with CRC at an early stage when the chance of cure is greater than 80%.
Liquid Biopsy For Personalised Monitoring Of Melanoma Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$820,888.00
Summary
Despite the success of recent melanoma treatments, therapies are effective long term in only a proportion of patients. Here we will progress preliminary findings in collaboration with biotechnology and pathology companies to develop highly effective companion biomarkers that will aid treatment decisions throughout disease course. Our team will spearhead translation of these markers into the clinic for routine monitoring of melanoma patients.
Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Of Faecal Biomarkers For Colon Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,398.00
Summary
We have identified a number of potential biomarkers present in the stools of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). We will use quantitative mass spectrometric techniques that we have developed to validate these biomarkers on a large number of faecal samples from patients with CRC and multiple control groups. We believe these studies will lead to a new panel of biomarkers which will improve the detection of early forms of colon cancer, thus reducing death from this 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.
Early diagnosis of melanoma remains extremely challenging. Currently there are no validated blood-based biomarkers for early diagnosis. Therefore, a reliable screening test is an unmet medical need. Autoantibodies are emerging as promising biomarkers for early cancer detection. In a proof of principle experiment we identified five autoantibodies that provide 95% sensitivity / specificity. Now we will confirm and validate our findings and develop a clinical test for melanoma diagnosis.
Centre For Translational Pathology Research And Training
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,677,639.00
Summary
The Centre for Translational Pathology Research and Training is a collaborative network involving nine hospitals and research institutes affiliated with The University of Melbourne. It's goal is train a cadre of molecular pathologists experienced in collaborative multidisciplinary research who can effective translate research discoveries and inventions in to clinically useful diagnostic tests that will enable oncologists to individualise treatment decisions for patients with cancer, based on the ....The Centre for Translational Pathology Research and Training is a collaborative network involving nine hospitals and research institutes affiliated with The University of Melbourne. It's goal is train a cadre of molecular pathologists experienced in collaborative multidisciplinary research who can effective translate research discoveries and inventions in to clinically useful diagnostic tests that will enable oncologists to individualise treatment decisions for patients with cancer, based on the unique biology of the individual's tumour.Read moreRead less
MRI Molecular Imaging Agents - from fundamental design to In Vivo Applications. Of approximately 60 million magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures performed annually worldwide, around 30 per cent of these use MRI imaging agents. Imaging agents allow the doctors to study blood flow and to identify particular tissue types and diseases. This project will lead to new classes of high-performance imaging agents which offer the prospect of faster more accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosing Chromosomal Translocations In Solid Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,997.00
Summary
Mis-repair of broken chromosomes can fuse together genes that then cause cancer. Current clinical tests are only capable of detecting single well-known gene fusions and are incapable of identifying new fusion events or fusion variations. We have developed a diagnostic technology, termed CaptureSeq, that is capable of finding all fusion genes in a patient sample. In this grant, we will demonstrate the use and advantages of CaptureSeq for diagnosing fusion genes in cancer patients.