Role Of Proline-rich Tyrosine Kinase 2 (Pyk2) In Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$85,254.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynaecological cancers in the developed world. Elevated levels of gonadotropin hormones and cell protein Pyk2 have been implicated in ovarian cancer. Our aim is to determine the role of Pyk2 in growth and metastasis of ovarian cancer when stimulated with gonadotropins. In addition, we aim to identify protein changes which occur in ovarian cancer when stimulated by gonadotropins in order to identify new biomarkers for the disease.
Exploiting Genetic Analysis To Predict Response And To Discover Novel Molecular Targeted Therapies For Rectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$83,871.00
Summary
Bowel cancer is a significant health burden in Australia. Currently it is difficult to predict which bowel cancer will shrink with standard therapy (chemoradiotherapy). Similarly, patients whose cancer remain the same or increase in size during treatment, there are no other new options available to them. In this research, I intend to find a model that could predict patient’s treatment pathway and identify alternative therapy for patients who did not respond to standard therapy.
This project aims to comprehensively evaluate the role of androgen receptor (AR) signalling in breast cancer by identifying changes in AR signalling and its role in an endocrine resistant setting. Understanding the changes in AR signalling in either treatment-naive or treatment-resistant context would better assist in the identification for opportunities to modulate AR signalling as a therapeutic target in breast cancer.
Indwelling Pleural Catheter For Management Of Cancer-related Pleural Effusions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$123,688.00
Summary
Most cancers can be complicated by fluid accumulation (effusion) in the (pleural) cavity between the lung and chest wall, causing significant breathlessness. Indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) is a new method that allows patients to drain the effusion outside the hospital and avoid further invasive interventions. This study aims to provide important information that will help guide use of IPC and manage its complications, especially infection, improve patient outcomes and save healthcare costs.
Effects Of A Novel Hotspot Mutation Of Brm In Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,314.00
Summary
Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. SWI/SNF, a yeast nucleosome remodeling complex, is known destabilise interactions in DNA. It is made up of 8-10 proteins, including a novel tumour suppressor Brm. There is some evidence that Brm acts as a tumour suppressor in skin cancer, but relevance of a recently found mutation in Brm is yet to be characterised. This project aims to identify the effect of this mutation, on cellular sensitivity to UV radiation and examine transfo ....Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. SWI/SNF, a yeast nucleosome remodeling complex, is known destabilise interactions in DNA. It is made up of 8-10 proteins, including a novel tumour suppressor Brm. There is some evidence that Brm acts as a tumour suppressor in skin cancer, but relevance of a recently found mutation in Brm is yet to be characterised. This project aims to identify the effect of this mutation, on cellular sensitivity to UV radiation and examine transformation to malignancy.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Clinical Significance Of Tumour Genomic Architecture And Host Immune Response In Breast Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$94,732.00
Summary
This study uses sophisticated DNA sequencing technologies to help patients and their doctors better understand and treat breast cancer. It also tries to understand how the cancer DNA may change over time, and if this is important to how the cancer is treated. In addition, it looks for a link between the DNA changes in a tumour and the anti-tumour immune response, which may help identify patients that could benefit from immunotherapy in the future.
TRACEBACK - Identification Of Women Carrying Germline BRCA1/2 Mutations Through A Retrospective Analysis Of Patients Diagnosed With High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$83,284.00
Summary
Inheriting a mutated-BRCA is associated with significant risk of developing cancer. It is a crucial diagnosis to make with proven procedures that can reduce the risk of cancer developing. Ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the tumour most strongly associated with BRCA (15-20%) and provides a diagnostic opportunity, but despite Australian guidelines <50% receive testing. Our aim is to provide BRCA1/2 screening opportunities to patients and families and improve the rate of BRCA testing Australia wide.
Investigation Of Regulators That Control The Pro-survival Molecule MCL1 And Its Stabililty In Lymphoma And Myeloma Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$169,162.00
Summary
B cell malignancies are common and in many cases result in mortality. The BCL-2 family protein MCL-1 has been shown to be over-expressed in many B cell malignancies. However, the regulation and biology of MCL-1 in these cancers remains largely unknown. We aim to define mechanisms that control regulation of MCL-1 expression in cancer cells at the transcriptional and protein level and hence identify new therapeutic targets.
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death globally. Symptoms may not develop until disease is advanced, so it is often incurable at diagnosis. Scientific developments have greatly improved our ability to test for the changes in DNA structure and function responsible for this deadly disease and its progression. This study examines whole lung cancer genomes then uses these findings to develop safer methods for detection based on changes in DNA sequence.