Overcoming Resistance To Anti-EGFR Antibody Therapy In Colorectal Cancer Using Novel Targeted PI3K And MEK Inhibitors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,586.00
Summary
Cetuximab treatment is a standard of care for metastatic colorectal cancer, but patients with KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA or PTEN gene mutated tumours show a lack of response. Newly developed targeted inhibitors against PI3K and MEK may overcome cetuximab resistance. We will perform preclinical studies in cell lines representing the range of mutated tumours found in patients to compare the efficacy of these novel treatments with cetuximab and to characterise the mechanisms underlying drug action.
Defining Iron And Haem-induced Pro-carcinogenic Pathways Of Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,277.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer is very common in Western society. Population studies have reported that high consumption iron-containing foods and red meat, the latter being a source of both haem and iron, are risk factors for colorectal cancer. This study will identify the levels of dietary haem and iron that promote colorectal cancer development. Also, it will determine the mechanisms and relative contribution of iron and haem to pro-carcinogenic pathways that result in colorectal cancer.
Evaluation Of Blood-based Screening Tests For Colorectal Neoplasia; From Biomarker Candidates To Accurate And Acceptable Tests
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$767,382.00
Summary
Current bowel cancer screening tests require people to collect a stool sample. While able to be done at home, this creates certain inconveniences and has other barriers to its use including being distasteful to some. Also, even though stool tests are useful they are not as accurate as we would like. We have discovered a molecule in the blood of patients with bowel cancer that could, if configured as a screening test, serve to be of even greater accuracy and also be more acceptable to people.
The Role Of DNA Sensing In The Pathogenesis Of Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$633,704.00
Summary
Colorectal (bowel) cancer is a leading cause of death in Australia and worldwide. The ability of the body to detect DNA from damaged or dying cells in the gut is an important part of the healing process. This response also provides protection against colorectal cancer. In this project, we investigate how a DNA sensor prevents the development of intestinal tumours. This project will lead to new ways to fight cancer in humans.
Effectiveness And Cost-effectiveness Of Systematic Screening For Lynch Syndrome (LS) In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$485,762.00
Summary
Lynch syndrome (LS) is an inherited condition that puts people at an increased risk of developing a range of cancers. We will use a detailed simulation model to evaluate the potential health benefits of testing new cases of colorectal, endometrial and ovarian cancers for LS, and whether this would be cost-effective. The aim is to identify LS-related cancer cases, so family members can be offered LS testing, and individuals found to have LS can be offered close observation/preventative surgery.
A La CaRT: Australasian Laparoscopic Cancer Of The Rectum Trial. A Phase III Prospective Randomised Trial Comparing Laparoscopic-assisted Resection Versus Open Resection For Rectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$599,054.00
Summary
The major treatment for rectal cancer is surgical removal of tumour with a large cut through the abdomen. There is a newer, less invasive procedure known as laparoscopic resection which enables the same surgery to be performed using a scope inserted in the abdomen and another smaller incision for removal of the tumour. This study is being conducted to determine whether the newer procedure is as safe and effective as the current procedure. Patients on the trial will be given either laparoscopi
Circulating Tumour DNA (ctDNA) To Guide Adjuvant Chemotherapy And Surveillance Strategies In Patients With Stage II Colon Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,227,186.00
Summary
This study is attempting to demonstrate that an adjuvant therapy strategy based on ctDNA results will reduce the number of patients with stage II colon cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy without compromising recurrence free survival. Prospective multi-centre study enrolling 450 stage II colon cancer patients. Patients will be randomized 2:1 to be treated according to ctDNA results (Arm A, n = 300), or per standard clinical criteria (Arm B, n = 150).
Young Onset Colorectal Cancer: Genetics Pathology And Environment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,180.00
Summary
There has been a steady increase since 2002, in the age-standardised incidence of CRC in males under 45 years in Australia, contrasting with the stabilisation in incidence of CRC in males of age 45 years and over. Persons under 50 years are not routinely screened unless they have a significant family history of CRC. Young-onset rectal cancer is associated with late presentations and with a higher mortality. This proposal will address the possible risk factors for young-onset CRC.
Identification Of Novel Genes Predisposing To Familial Colorectal Cancer By Full Exome Sequencing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$158,188.00
Summary
A third of people who develop bowel cancer have a family history of the condition. Currently, we only understand the genes involved in a small number of these families. This proposal will use new genetic techniques to look for gene faults in the remaining families by sequencing all an individual’s genes simultaneously. By identifying new genes, we can accurately assess family members’ bowel cancer risk, effectively target surveillance and help reduce their risk of developing bowel cancer.
Genome Engineered, Preclinical Models Of Serrated Colorectal Cancer To Fast-track A High Sensitivity, Early Detection Test
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,854.00
Summary
1 in 12 Australians will develop colorectal cancer. Here we use information about changes to the genetic (inherited) material of these cancers to develop new, complex models of this disease. This teaches us about what those changes do, and highlights important targets for future drug therapies. We are also developing a better test to detect hidden pre-cancers that are not well detected by our current population screening strategy, to help reduce deaths from this disease.