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Circulating Tumour DNA (ctDNA) As A Diagnostic Tool In Colorectal Cancer: Role In Screening And Early Detection Of Metastatic Or Recurrent Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,478.00
Summary
These studies will be exploring the value of using a blood test to detect cancer DNA as a screening test for colorectal cancer. This test promises to be superior to faecal blood testing, which is currently performed as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. It may also have advantages over colonoscopy as a screening tool. Given the likely acceptability of having a blood based screening test, it is expected that participation rates in bowel cancer screening, which has been shown to ....These studies will be exploring the value of using a blood test to detect cancer DNA as a screening test for colorectal cancer. This test promises to be superior to faecal blood testing, which is currently performed as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. It may also have advantages over colonoscopy as a screening tool. Given the likely acceptability of having a blood based screening test, it is expected that participation rates in bowel cancer screening, which has been shown to save lives, will be greatly increased.Read moreRead less
Improving Cancer Diagnostic Imaging And Drug Delivery By Breaking Down Extracellular Matrix Barriers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$748,152.00
Summary
Solid tumours are stiffer than normal tissues. This stiffness is caused by over-production of non-cellular components known as extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM creates a barrier that restricts drug access in tumours. New methods to overcome tumour stiffness are crucial to improve drug delivery. We will study the use of a new compound to degrade tumour ECM to improve anti-cancer drug delivery. Our compound will be useful in treatment-resistant solid tumours such as breast and liver cancers.
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
CAPTURE: Circulating Tumour DNA Assessment Of PIK3CA To Guide Treatment Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,299,064.00
Summary
Many breast cancers shed small amounts of DNA (called circulating tumor DNA or ctDNA) into the patient’s bloodstream. This proposal is for a clinical trial which will examine the use of ctDNA to follow levels of a specific therapeutic target (a mutation in a gene called PIK3CA) in blood, to allow the timely introduction of a targeted therapy (PI3K inhibitor). The trial aims to lead to improved outcomes for women with estrogen receptor positive metastatic breast cancer.
DOCetaxel With Or Without Radiation Therapy For Resectable Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma Based On Early PET Response To Induction Chemotherapy (DOCTOR).
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,024,738.00
Summary
Oesophageal cancer continues to have poor survival despite surgery. Patients responding to pre-operative chemotherapy have better survival than those who do not. This study proposes using early FDG-PET scan to identify patients not responding to standard chemotherapy. This will permit the timely change of therapy to alternative regimens with a newer agent with or without radiotherapy, aiming to improve outcomes. This represents a paradigm shift in the management of oesophageal cancer.