Identification And Characterisation Of Cells With High Proliferative Potential In Human Endometrium
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,575.00
Summary
Each month when the uterine lining does not receive an implanting embryo, this lining is shed as part of the menstrual process. It is rapidly replaced with a new functional lining that grows from the basal layer that remains. In post menopausal women, who only have the thin basal layer of the uterine lining, there is rapid regeneration of the lining when they commence hormone replacement therapy. Despite this remarkable regenerative capacity of the uterine lining, nothing is known about the prec ....Each month when the uterine lining does not receive an implanting embryo, this lining is shed as part of the menstrual process. It is rapidly replaced with a new functional lining that grows from the basal layer that remains. In post menopausal women, who only have the thin basal layer of the uterine lining, there is rapid regeneration of the lining when they commence hormone replacement therapy. Despite this remarkable regenerative capacity of the uterine lining, nothing is known about the precursor cells responsible for its cyclical growth. Our preliminary studies have shown that the human uterine lining contains a rare population of cells with high proliferative capacity. This project will identify, characterize and locate these precursor cells in the human uterine lining. It also aims to obtain information on how these precursor cells function in regenerating the uterine lining, how they interact with sex hormones and how their proliferative activity is regulated. Information generated from this project will provide significant new insight into the functioning of the uterine lining. It also has immediate application to common gynaecological diseases associated with abnormal growth of the uterine lining, such as endometriosis, a disease which affects 10% of reproductive age women causing pain and infertility. A better understanding of how these precursor cells may be involved in endometriosis and other gynaecological diseases may ultimately lead to the development of improved medical treatments rather than surgical intervention, which is currently the main form of treatment.Read moreRead less
Chemoradiation And Adjuvant Chemotherapy Versus Radiation Alone In High Risk And Advanced Endometrial Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$460,832.00
Summary
This trial is evaluating whether adding chemotherapy during and after radiotherapy is better than giving radiotherapy alone in patients who have advanced or high risk endometrial cancer. One group of patients will be treated after surgery with both radiotherapy and chemotherapy, followed by additional cycles of chemotherapy and the other group will receive the standard treatment which is pelvic radiation alone. This study may result in a change in the management of these patients.
Progenitor Origin And Regulation In Endometrial Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$847,583.00
Summary
The endometrium is the lining of the uterus and regenerates each month during a woman's reproductive years. Stem and progenitor cells in the endometrium are thought to be responsible for this regeneration. We have identified a genetic marker for stem and progenitor cells in the endometrium of mice and will use this to understand endometrial regeneration. This work will address infertility as well as overactive endometrial growth in diseases such as endometriosis and endometrial cancer.
Endometrial cancer (uterine or womb cancer) is the most common invasive gynaecological cancer in Australia. Each year more than 1400 women are affected by the condition, and death is common amongst a subset with more aggressive disease. We plan to conduct a national study of endometrial cancer to identify options for prevention of the disease. No previous studies have looked at risk factors for endometrial cancer in Australian women. In particular, we hope to identify modifiable risk factors for ....Endometrial cancer (uterine or womb cancer) is the most common invasive gynaecological cancer in Australia. Each year more than 1400 women are affected by the condition, and death is common amongst a subset with more aggressive disease. We plan to conduct a national study of endometrial cancer to identify options for prevention of the disease. No previous studies have looked at risk factors for endometrial cancer in Australian women. In particular, we hope to identify modifiable risk factors for endometrial cancer, and identify genes that make some women particularly susceptible to the disease. There are at least two main types of endometrial cancer and limited evidence suggests that they may have different causes. Few studies have examined the two different types separately, and there is virtually no information regarding risk factors for the more aggressive forms. In addition, little is known about genetic factors that predispose women to endometrial cancer. In the present study, we will investigate which genes cause endometrial cancer in women who have a strong family history of the disease. We will also identify genes that are related to endometrial cancer in women with no obvious family history of cancer, and investigate how these genes interact with environmental factors (such as hormone replacement therapy and obesity) to cause disease. National epidemiological studies of other cancers are currently being conducted by our research groups within QIMR. In the present proposal, we will use our experience to build on the infrastructure and procedures already in place to conduct a new study on endometrial cancer. As one of the largest population-based studies of endometrial cancer ever conducted, it will be able to answer many of the questions that are currently unresolved. Moreover, answers will be relevant to Australian women and clinicians as well as to inform prevention strategies.Read moreRead less
Mechanistic And Translational Studies In Female Reproductive Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
The womb is essential for a health pregnancy. This research aims to determine how the womb interacts with embryos to ensure a healthy pregnancy forms. Cells in the womb can also grow abnormally and result in endometrial cancer. New treatments for endometrial cancer will also be tested in this research.
I am a cancer epidemiologist, specialising in molecular epidemiology. I investigate the genetic and environmental causes of gynaecological cancers, and their consequences (prognosis, survival, quality of life, economic).
Selective Targeting Of Adjuvant Therapy For Endometrial Cancer: The STATEC Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,239,309.00
Summary
This international collaborative trial for women with aggressive endometrial cancer will investigate whether lymph node removal (lymphadenectomy) at time of hysterectomy is needed to predict whether patients need additional treatment, compared to not removing the lymph nodes and giving additional treatment to all such patients. If we can select patients who need further treatment more accurately, we will avoid giving patients unnecessary toxic treatment which impacts on their quality of life.