Inhaling asbestos fibres causes cancer (both mesothelioma and lung cancer). These are related to the amount of asbestos inhaled. This study will look at lung tissue removed from people for other medical reasons to see if those at high risk (e.g. construction workers) have benefited from the laws restricting asbestos use. We hope to predict rates of these cancers in the future from these results, based on the numbers of fibres seen in the lungs.
Centre Of Research Excellence In Pulmonary And Environmental Medicine.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,007,200.00
Summary
This Centre will study inhalational lung diseases, ie diseases caused by substances such as asbestos, cigarette smoke, air pollutants and allergens. Australia has of the highest incidences in the world of at least 2 of the diseases to be studied, asbestos- and allergen-induced lung diseases. These two alone are estimated to cost the Australian economy over $100 million -yr and $1 billion respectively in direct health costs plus loss of productivity and compensation. Furthermore COPD on of our ot ....This Centre will study inhalational lung diseases, ie diseases caused by substances such as asbestos, cigarette smoke, air pollutants and allergens. Australia has of the highest incidences in the world of at least 2 of the diseases to be studied, asbestos- and allergen-induced lung diseases. These two alone are estimated to cost the Australian economy over $100 million -yr and $1 billion respectively in direct health costs plus loss of productivity and compensation. Furthermore COPD on of our other major areas of interest is the 4th leading cause of death in males and conservatively costs the economy over one billion dollars per year as well as being the leading cause of disability in the elderly. It is predicted that COPD will be the 4th most common disease worldwide by 2020. As such this area of study is important for Australia and internationally and any advances will deliver major economic and health benefits. We will study the role of blood and sputum tests in the diagnosis, monitoring, screening and management of lung diseases caused by asbestos, cigarette smoke, air pollutants and allergens ie. mesothelioma, asthma, COPD and lung cancer. We will apply modern DNA 'gene chip' methods to study the pathogenesis of these diseases and help us to identify new treatment targets. This will also be used to guide genetic searches for polymorphism's, spliced variants and DNA modification(epigentics) in COPD and lung cancer. Genetic studies of sensitivity to air pollution will be used to define at risk patients We will also evaluate how the method of cell death that occurs during some therapies eg. in cancer and allergy-asthma, might alter how the body responds and thus help us develop novel therapeutic strategies for these diseases. This research program should lead to new tests and treatments and at the same time promote the training of a new generation of young researchers in this field and so ensure that the work continues long termRead moreRead less
Serum Mesothelin-related Protein As An Early Marker Of Mesothelioma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$354,750.00
Summary
The deadly asbestos-induced cancer mesothelioma is continuing to kill tens of thousands of individuals per year and its incidence is increasing. It is expected to cost communities hundreds of billions of dollars in compensation. This disease is usually already quite advanced by the time a patients presents to a doctor with symptoms so we have been working on methods of early detection. This project studies a new, exciting method of diagnosis using blood levels of a molecule called 'SMRP'. Late l ....The deadly asbestos-induced cancer mesothelioma is continuing to kill tens of thousands of individuals per year and its incidence is increasing. It is expected to cost communities hundreds of billions of dollars in compensation. This disease is usually already quite advanced by the time a patients presents to a doctor with symptoms so we have been working on methods of early detection. This project studies a new, exciting method of diagnosis using blood levels of a molecule called 'SMRP'. Late last year we published a paper in the prestigious journal Lancet showing that SMRP was a good test to help diagnose mesothelioma and this became a lead news item around the world because of widespread concern about this disease. In those studies we found strong clues that this test was very sensitive and could detect mesothelioma a year or so before a patient develops symptoms. In this grant we will evaluate whether this test could be useful for screening asbestos-exposed individuals for early detection of this cancer. We will also study ways of improving the test using laboratory methods. This would provide a foundation for studies aimed at determining if early treatment could improve patient survival.Read moreRead less
Early Detection Of Lung Cancer And Mesothelioma In Asbestos Workers At Highest Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,268.00
Summary
Through no fault of their own, many Australian workers have been inadvertently exposed to asbestos and are at high risk of developing lung cancer and mesothelioma. With the peak incidence bearing upon us, there is an urgent need for early detection by CT.
Integrating Conventional Mesothelioma Therapies With Immuno- And Gene-therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$804,916.00
Summary
Asbestos-induces cancers are some of the most aggressive cancers know to medicine. Unfortunately, treatments are not very effective and it is unusual for these cancers to be cured, particularly mesothelioma. Because recent scientific studies have suggested that combinations of therapy which include immunotherapy, ie treatments aimed at stimulating the bodies anti-cancer immune responses to attack the cancer, can be effective, we plan to develop this work in order to determine exactly which combi ....Asbestos-induces cancers are some of the most aggressive cancers know to medicine. Unfortunately, treatments are not very effective and it is unusual for these cancers to be cured, particularly mesothelioma. Because recent scientific studies have suggested that combinations of therapy which include immunotherapy, ie treatments aimed at stimulating the bodies anti-cancer immune responses to attack the cancer, can be effective, we plan to develop this work in order to determine exactly which combinations are likely to be the most effective and therefore the most suitable for clinical trial in patients.Read moreRead less
Asbestos-induced cancer is a big problem in the world. This Centre of Research Excellence application is to continue our highly successful National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, widely acknowledged as the world leader. We will ‘crack the cancer genetic code’, generate vaccines, discover better blood tests and new cancer imaging techniques and therapies. We will continue to train the next generation of researchers through our strong program and international collaborative network.
Novel Surgery-chemotherapy-immunotherapy Approaches For Lung Malignancies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$662,819.00
Summary
Many patients undergo cancer surgery every year yet still die of cancer over the next few years because the surgeon couldnt remove all of the cancer cells, many of which were undetectable at the time of surgery. This grant will develop ways of combining chemotherapy drugs with immune therapy to 'mop up' hidden residual cancer cells after operations - the immune system, when stimulated appropriately, should be able to 'seek and destroy' those hidden deposits and thus cure these cancers.
Improving Treatment Outcomes For Malignant Mesothelioma Patients Using Biomarkers.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$795,262.00
Summary
The deadly asbestos-induced cancer mesothelioma is continuing to kill tens of thousands of people each year. Most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease. In this study we will use novel biomarkers to help the diagnosis of mesothelioma and potentially improve treatment options for patients.