Identifying The Missing Heritability Of Breast Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$461,104.00
Summary
One of the strongest risk factors for the development of breast cancer is having a close relative with the disease. Some advances have been made in understanding the specific genetic factors that underlie this susceptibility but these known genetic factors only explain about a third of the overall familial effects. This research will utilise our prior research, international research resources, new technology and supercomputing to identify the majority of genetic factors associated with breast c ....One of the strongest risk factors for the development of breast cancer is having a close relative with the disease. Some advances have been made in understanding the specific genetic factors that underlie this susceptibility but these known genetic factors only explain about a third of the overall familial effects. This research will utilise our prior research, international research resources, new technology and supercomputing to identify the majority of genetic factors associated with breast cancer susceptibility.Read moreRead less
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.
The Ludwig Institute is adopting a two prong approach in the fight against cancer. Ludwig scientists are developing improved and sensitive scanning methods to aid in the conduct of field trials of new anti-cancer antibodies. In addition, they are also developing new targeted anti-cancer antibodies with improved properties that have the ability to bind to tumours while sparing normal tissues. These drugs can either attack the cancer directly or be used to carry drugs to the target thereby shrinki ....The Ludwig Institute is adopting a two prong approach in the fight against cancer. Ludwig scientists are developing improved and sensitive scanning methods to aid in the conduct of field trials of new anti-cancer antibodies. In addition, they are also developing new targeted anti-cancer antibodies with improved properties that have the ability to bind to tumours while sparing normal tissues. These drugs can either attack the cancer directly or be used to carry drugs to the target thereby shrinking the tumour.Read moreRead less
Cellular And Molecular Mechanisms Of Hedgehog Signaling In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$551,937.00
Summary
Breast cancer cells create the conditions for their own survival by communicating their needs to the healthy cells that surround them. We have previously shown that a molecule known as ‘hedgehog’ transmits biochemical signals between breast cancer cells and healthy cells. When hedgehog is ‘silenced’, tumours shrink and stop their spread. In this application, we will identify the cells receiving the hedgehog signal and identify how they support the growth and spread of breast cancers.
Translation Of PALB2 Genetic Information Into Breast Cancer Clinical Genetic Services
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$423,081.00
Summary
Today in Australia women attending clinical genetics services and receiving genetic counselling due to a personal and/or family history of breast cancer are not considered for testing of PALB2 despite mounting evidence that the risk of breast cancer in mutation carriers is at least as high as the risk for BRCA2 mutation carriers. This project will provide the evidence base to support the incorporation of PALB2 gene testing into routine clinical genetics services both in Australia and around the ....Today in Australia women attending clinical genetics services and receiving genetic counselling due to a personal and/or family history of breast cancer are not considered for testing of PALB2 despite mounting evidence that the risk of breast cancer in mutation carriers is at least as high as the risk for BRCA2 mutation carriers. This project will provide the evidence base to support the incorporation of PALB2 gene testing into routine clinical genetics services both in Australia and around the world.Read moreRead less
Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) To Diagnose Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,032,884.00
Summary
This study aims to examine strategies for improving the effectiveness of lung cancer screening for reducing lung cancer deaths, and reducing the burden of the disease in the community. We will test the use of CT screening combined with a package of diagnostic measures, including the US NLST criteria, to determine if lung cancer nodules can be reliably detected at an earlier stage. Our aim in early detection is to also improve the potential for effective treatment approaches and health outcomes.
Ensuring The Utility And Sustainability Of Tissue Banks: Supporting Translational Research In Australia Through Informed Regulation And Community Engagement.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$481,885.00
Summary
Tissue banks provide a critical resource for translational research into the causes and treatment of many diseases affecting children and adults, such as cancer.Their success and contribution to medical research depends on addressing the many unresolved and emerging challenges that impact their work. This is the first national empirical study engaging the Australian research community, legal experts tissue donors and the public about the challenges to tissue banks to inform ethico legal regulati ....Tissue banks provide a critical resource for translational research into the causes and treatment of many diseases affecting children and adults, such as cancer.Their success and contribution to medical research depends on addressing the many unresolved and emerging challenges that impact their work. This is the first national empirical study engaging the Australian research community, legal experts tissue donors and the public about the challenges to tissue banks to inform ethico legal regulation and deliver better health care systems.Read moreRead less
Circulating Tumour DNA Analysis Of Acquired Treatment Resistance In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$511,807.00
Summary
Taxanes are commonly used chemotherapeutic agents in breast cancer, yet treatment resistance remains a significant clinical problem for which new approaches are needed. Many cancers shed small amounts of DNA (circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)) into the bloodstream, and analysis of ctDNA can allow assessment of tumour specific genomic changes occurring during treatment. This project aims to utilise ctDNA to study acquired treatment resistance to taxane-based chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer.
Personalised Medicine Markers Of Anti-EGFR Antibody Therapy In Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Accelerating Clinical Translation With Collaborative Meta-analyses Based On Individual-participant Data
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$300,953.00
Summary
When selecting cancer therapy we take into account ‘biomarkers’, biological cancer characteristics that predict treatment success. We will work with an international group, the Advanced Colorectal Cancer Database, to analyse individual patient clinical trial data. We intend to validate biomarkers used to select treatment with cetuximab or panitumumab. Cancer genes called KRAS, NRAS, PTEN, PIK3CA, EREG and BRAF will be examined. Our study will provide best evidence for personalised treatment.
Improving Sexual Health In Men With Prostate Cancer: Randomised Controlled Trial Of Exercise And Psychosexual Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,416.00
Summary
Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common and distressing side effects of prostate cancer. Despite being a critical survivorship care issue, there is a clear gap in knowledge surrounding the optimal treatment of sexual dysfunction in men with prostate cancer. This project examines whether exercise aids in the management of sexual dysfunction and explores if an integrated treatment model incorporating pharmacological, exercise and psychosexual therapies maximises improvement in sexual health.