Molecular Imaging As A Critical Tool In Discovery Of The Basis Of Tumour Heterogeneity And Developing Novel Therapies To Overcome Therapeutic Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$467,961.00
Summary
Determining treatment options for cancer currently relies on the size and extent of tumour deposits on imaging, combined with a biopsy. However, this approach fails to recognise the ability of tumours to evolve components that are, or become, resistant to treatment. My laboratory uses advanced molecular imaging, targeted biopsies, animal models and genetic analysis to detect and understand the basis of such resistance and thereby develop new, targeted treatments to improve patient outcomes.
Integration Of Basic And Translational Genitourinary Cancer Research Into Academic Clinical Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$467,961.00
Summary
Improvements in human health can only occur when the best basic research is tested in the best clinical trials and then applied in clinical practice across the board. Practitioner Fellowships are designed to support people who bridge these areas. This Fellowship will support an integrated program of research involving laboratory studies in prostate cancer, clinical trials in prostate and other types of cancer, application to clinical practice, and high level clinical and research leadership.
Translating Risk Models To Improve Prevention And Early Diagnosis Of Cancer In Primary Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$479,882.00
Summary
Primary care plays a key role in prevention and early diagnosis of cancer. This fellowship will apply evidence about cancer risk to help GPs provide tailored advice to patients about preventing common cancers. It will also use new risk tools to assess people with symptoms suggestive of cancer to support earlier diagnosis. The research extends to studies relating to how people interpret symptoms and ways of promoting earlier presentation to the GP in patients who are at higher risk of cancer.
Major advances in cancer treatment has been made by identifying gene mutations in cancers to which the cancer is “addicted”, such that turning off the effects of the mutations leads to death of the cancer cells. Grant McArthur has been successful in applying this principle to rare types of sarcoma bringing his work to routine clinical practice globally. In this application he will investigate targeting the BRAF, KIT and MYC genes focusing on melanoma, a major cancer problem in Australia.
HIV infection continues to be a global problem, an effective vaccine is critical to halting its spread. For those infected there is no cure. They require life-long, expensive therapy. The proposed research looks to provide insights that will contribute to the development of an effective vaccine and to clearing the virus from infected patients by using cutting edge laboratory techniques to study patients in populations that are pathogenically informative.
Molecular Profiling To Identify Therapeutic Targets For Blinding Diseases.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$467,961.00
Summary
Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying blinding diseases will allow for the development of new therapies. As an ophthalmologist with sub-specialty training in genetic eye diseases, this fellowship will enhance the synergy between my current research and clinical practice. During this fellowship I will lead research to uncover further genetic associations for eye disease, as well as interrogate patient-specific cell lines to elucidate specific signatures of disease development.
Translating Disordered Iron Metabolism And Liver Injury Research Into Clinical Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,014.00
Summary
Disorders of iron excess or insufficiency are common. A major complication of iron overload is liver disease. Another major cause of liver disease is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Most causes of liver disease injure the liver by similar mechanisms. This project will discover new mechanisms by which iron may cause cancer, arthritis, liver and cardiac disease and will define new diagnostic tests and treatments for disorders of iron metabolism and liver disease.
Immunopathogenesis And Manipulation Of The HIV Reservoir
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$494,732.00
Summary
Kelleher is a Clinical immunologist with a globally recognised, sustained track record of translational research which has impacted both on our understanding of HIV immunopathogenesis and on the way HIV infection is treated. He will conduct a series of studies that encompass basic scientific techniques through to pivotal pre-clinical and clinical studies that will provide a pathway towards control of HIV-infection without daily therapy.
The incidence of melanoma in Australia continues to increase, with Queensland having the highest incidence worldwide. This research uses latest advances in genomics, imaging technologies and microbiopsy devices to develop a personalized screening program for high-risk individuals, with the aim of improving early detection, and reducing the burden of melanoma.
I am a practising hospital physician and a trained scientist and am widely acknowledged at the world leader in my field of study, asbestos cancers. Our latest research discoveries have put us on the threshold of bold new approaches to curing the scourge of these cancers and finding better blood tests but this work now requires extra attention from me to bring it to fruition. A Practitioner Fellowship is an ideal way for me to continue to lead this exciting research.