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).
The Role Of Aspirin In The Prevention Of Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,725,799.00
Summary
ASPREE is a large, phase 3 clinical study of health participants over the age of 70 years who have been randomized to either continuous low dose aspirin or placebo for an average of 5 years. This grant is concerned with collecting long-term follow-up for an additional 5 years, especially for evidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) as well as the exploration of potential mechanisms of action by which aspirin may prevent the development of CRC.
Microfluidic Strategy For Circulating Tumour Cells Analysis In Cancer Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,180.00
Summary
My approach and ultimate goal over the next 4 years is to demonstrate the use of recently discovered “Nanoshearing” technology as a standard diagnostic tool for cancer patients undergoing systemic therapy and assess the impact of standard protocols in predicting response to therapy and patient outcomes. Data from this study could potentially define new standards of clinical practice, as they relate to follow-up screening for response to therapy and recurrence of disease.
A Prospective Study Of Language Impairment And Recovery Following Surgery For Brain Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$861,342.00
Summary
This multi-site project will investigate the incidence and nature of post-operative language difficulties (aphasia) in patients following surgery for left hemisphere primary brain tumours. It will provide comprehensive data concerning risk factors for post-surgical aphasia in Australian patients, in addition to important information about the brain lesions responsible for its various clinical presentations. This information will be used to generate recommendations for clinical practice.
Telomere Length As A Biomarker In Paediatric Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$121,025.00
Summary
Telomeres are the ends of chromosomes, and their length is important to maintain cell viability. We intend to set up a reliable test to measure telomere length and also use this measurement in childhood cancer patients to assess whether patients with shorter telomeres are more susceptible to the adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy In The Pediatric Population: Risk Factors, Assessment Strategies And Functional Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,766.00
Summary
Chemotherapy, commonly used for treatment of childhood cancer, can cause peripheral nerve injury with disabling symptoms which may be long lasting. This project aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the nerve injury and standardize sensitive ways of measuring nerve function. This is the first study that will follow children throughout their treatment cycle with regular nerve assessments, providing a greater understanding of nerve injury mechanisms and enabling treatment modification.
New Drugs To Counteract The Side Effects And Premature Ageing Caused By Chemotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$577,658.00
Summary
During cancer treatment, commonly used chemotherapy drugs cause profound side effects that include pain, nausea, heart problems, hair loss and can affect almost every system in the body. Even after chemotherapy treatment has stopped, cancer survivors face an increased risk of diseases which resemble the effects of old age. We are testing newly discovered anti-ageing molecules for their ability to reduce these side effects, and drastically improve the quality of life for cancer patients.
Long-term Nerve Damage In Cancer Survivors: Identification Of Risk Factors And Optimal Assessment Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$850,172.00
Summary
Nerve damage following chemotherapy treatment leads to early treatment cessation and long-lasting disability, developing with commonly used chemotherapies. There is a critical need to understand the mechanisms, optimize clinical assessment and develop interventions to prevent nerve damage. This project is designed to detect the impact of long-term nerve damage in cancer survivors and develop a risk profile based on clinical, neurophysiological and genetic factors.
Improving Systems And Quality Of Cancer Care In Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Settings
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$640,096.00
Summary
We propose to study the patterns of care of Indigenous people with cancer at the primary health care (PHC) setting. Working collaboratively with PHC centres, we will examine what systems or processes are in place to identify such patients in the PHC centres, and make recommendations for improvements. Our primary focus is identifying factors that are modifiable, particularly those related to follow up/communication between the tertiary and the PHC systems, and management of comorbidities.