Investigation Of Steroidogenesis As A Mechanism Of Castration Resistance In Human Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,076.00
Summary
Prostate cancer is critically dependent upon continued testosterone stimulation, even when the disease becomes resistant to existing hormonal therapies that suppress serum levels. The source of this testosterone is currently unclear. This study aims to identify the site of testosterone synthesis in patients with prostate cancer, and determine the relevance of continued testosterone signalling in patients treated with 'super castrating' hormonal therapy.
Control Of Musculoskeletal Function And Body Composition By Androgens In Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,248.00
Summary
Male sex hormone or androgen deficiency (AD) is a common, but under-diagnosed condition. AD decreases general well being and contributes to muscle weakness, bone fragility and weight gain. By using cutting edge imaging and molecular technologies, we will help to explain the underlying mechanisms of how AD leads to these negative effects. This should ultimately lead to reduction of adverse outcomes of AD, which include fractures and cardiovascular events.
The Cause Of Undescended Testis And Inguinal Hernia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$743,848.00
Summary
This study aims to define in both animal models and children how the testis descends from the abdomen to scrotum, and how undescended testis and inguinal hernia are likely to be caused by defects in the same, very indirect signalling pathway. The results will demonstrate where to look for genetic causes and proof of principle for possible future medical treatments for the 3 commonest major operations in children for congenital and acquired undescended testis and inguinal hernia.
The Clinical Significance Of Sex Hormone Crosstalk In Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,009,006.00
Summary
Breast cancer is mainly a disease in which the sex hormone estrogen stimulates uncontrolled growth. We have recently discovered that other sex hormones, including progesterone and androgen, can redirect the actions of estrogen in breast cancers to halt growth or make a tumour disappear. This study will examine the complex interaction between all three sex hormones to develop new, more effective strategies for treating breast cancer.
Effect Of Bisphosphonates On Bone Architecture And Glucose Metabolism In Men With Prostate Cancer Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,215.00
Summary
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a type of hormonal treatment which is effective for prostate cancer treatment. However, ADT may cause bone fragility, weight gain, diabetes and heart disease. We will examine the effects of a bone strengthening treatment on bone structure and glucose metabolism in men receiving ADT. This trial should help in better define the risk benefit ratio of ADT, and therefore provide treating doctors with better guidance as to when and how to use this therapy.
The Role Of Androgens In Burn Injury Wound Healing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,480.00
Summary
Burn injury is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Over 10,000 individuals are affected by severe burns each year in Australia. This innovative project aims to provide new fundamental knowledge about the role of androgens (male hormones) in complex burn injury wound healing process, also provide pre-clinical evidence of the ability to systemic and/or local target androgen signaling to improve wound healing for severe burn injury patients.
Pushing AR Toward Better Outcomes In Breast And Prostate Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$998,754.00
Summary
Breast and prostate cancers kill >6000 Australians each year. These cancers are strikingly similar, both driven by hormone receptors that have ‘gone bad’. Current therapies aim to eradicate the receptors. While often effective, therapeutic resistance is common and results in fatal disease. We aim to develop new, less toxic treatments that switch receptor behaviour from good to bad, without destroying them. This should improve quality of life, while preventing drug resistance and loss of lives ....Breast and prostate cancers kill >6000 Australians each year. These cancers are strikingly similar, both driven by hormone receptors that have ‘gone bad’. Current therapies aim to eradicate the receptors. While often effective, therapeutic resistance is common and results in fatal disease. We aim to develop new, less toxic treatments that switch receptor behaviour from good to bad, without destroying them. This should improve quality of life, while preventing drug resistance and loss of lives.Read moreRead less
Activin And Androgen Crosstalk During Testis Development Programs Adult Fertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,740.00
Summary
Fertility in men is determined by how the testis grows during fetal and juvenile life. We recently discovered that the Sertoli cells which nurse developing sperm are highly sensitive to cross-talk between testosterone and the growth factor activin during puberty. This project studies how this cross-talk is controlled to understand how altered hormone actions in boys, including exposure to harmful endocrine disrupting chemicals, reduces adult fertility.
Selective Activation Of Androgen Receptor To Treat Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$843,325.00
Summary
A major challenge in breast cancer research is to find alternative drugs to treat women with drug-resistant disease. What’s new and exciting is a novel type of drug that mimics the ability of natural androgen hormones to inhibit estrogen action in breast cancers without undesirable masculinising side effects. This research will greatly facilitate the introduction of a new breast cancer treatment into clinics worldwide by the development of a new test that can predict response to this treatment.
Profiling Circulating DNA And RNA To Identify Mechanisms Of Therapeutic Resistance And Response In Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$482,590.00
Summary
Enzalutamide is a powerful hormone treatment that improves survival for men with advanced prostate cancer. Unfortunately, all prostate cancers eventually become resistant to enzalutamide and not all men initially respond to treatment. I will look for blood markers that predict which men benefit from enzalutamide treatment and try to understand how resistance to enzalutamide occurs. This may lead to more effective use of enzalutamide resulting in better outcomes in advanced prostate cancer.