Identification Of Biomarkers Predictive Of Response To Bevacizumab In Patients With Glioblastoma Multiforme
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$32,628.00
Summary
Despite multimodality therapy, the median survival for patients diagnosed with high grade malignant brain tumours is only 12 months. Patient response to therapy is highly variable. Our aim is to develop a “genetic signature” that will predict response to bevacuzimab (an agent targeting blood vessel formation). Identifying patients who will respond to bevacuzimab will save many patients from a toxic and costly therapy, from which they will derive little benefit.
Genetic And Epigenetic Biomarkers In High Risk Colorectal Cancer: Predicting Risk Of Recurrence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$64,631.00
Summary
The main aim of this project is to define the prognostic and predictive significance of specific genetic events in patients with high risk (stage III) colorectal cancer. We attempt to explore the differences between primary tumours from patients with and without recurrence at three years. Data from the project will then be used to define a limited set of biomarkers which will aid in clinical decisions regarding the need for adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery for high risk colorectal cancer.
Defining Steps In The Molecular Pathogenesis Of Lung Cancer Using Immortalized Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$374,344.00
Summary
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and is caused by abnormalities in DNA. This project aims to further our understanding of this disease by altering known cancer-related genes and studying their effect on lung cancer development. This project also aims to identify novel genes in lung cancer as well as tumour expression profiles which can predict response to chemotherapy agents. In summary, this research will identify new gene targets for therapeutic agents.
Gene And Environmental Factors Influencing The Risk And Outcome Of Childhood Neuroblastoma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$91,573.00
Summary
Neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumour of early childhood. The proposed project will identify gene variations as well as birth characteristics and perinatal factors associated with the cause of neuroblastoma. Understanding the genetic causes of the disease can potentially identify genetic targets for treatment and improve diagnosis, while the identification of risk factors can be translated into interventions for prevention of neuroblastoma.
Genetic Dissection Of The Gp130 Signalling Network; Implications In The Initiation Of Gastric Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$447,500.00
Summary
Stomach cancer is a major health problem in the world. It is the second most common cancer and the second leading cause of death from cancer, behind lung cancer. In fact, approximately 10% of all new reported cancer cases world-wide are stomach cancer. The risk of stomach cancer increases with age, with risk rising progressively and peaking at about 60 years of age. Men are affected twice as often as women Like all cancers, stomach cancer results from the progressive acquisition of mutations in ....Stomach cancer is a major health problem in the world. It is the second most common cancer and the second leading cause of death from cancer, behind lung cancer. In fact, approximately 10% of all new reported cancer cases world-wide are stomach cancer. The risk of stomach cancer increases with age, with risk rising progressively and peaking at about 60 years of age. Men are affected twice as often as women Like all cancers, stomach cancer results from the progressive acquisition of mutations in genes that normally ensure a balance between cell growth and cell death. Mutations which predispose individuals to stomach cancer accumulate in the epithelial cells that provide the lining to the stomach. The progression of stomach cancer proceeds through a number of distinct anatomical stages which can be easily recognised by pathologists. Mutations in a number of genes (known as Kirsten-ras, p53) are commonly found in stomach tumours. Moreover, some of the mutations are highly associated with distinct stages of tumour development. As yet, however, we have no real insights into how these mutations cooperate with each other to produce full-blown (malignant) stomach cancer. In our proposal, we are aiming to establish stomach cancer in mice. Our approach will be to use an existing animal model which is predisposed to stomach cancer. We will progressively introduce mutant genes into stomach epithelial cells and study how they cooperate with each other to produce benign, and ultimately, malignant tumours in the stomach of mice. This will help us to understand which mutant genes are required for each stage in tumour development and may provide more rational approaches to stomac cancer screening and treatment.Read moreRead less
Analysis Of Gene Amplification-loss And Methylation Associated With Progression To Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,197.00
Summary
Many bowel cancers can be removed by surgery, but in many cases the cancer reoccurs. While chemotherapy can reduce the chance of recurrence, it can produce significant side effects. Currently there are few markers to indicate change of recurrence, therefore deciding who should, or should not receive chemotherapy is difficult to decide. This study will analyse differences in DNA from patients that do and do not relapse, to guide future decisions on patients who will benefit from chemotherapy.
Increasing Appropriate Screening For Colorectal Cancer Patients And First Degree Relatives. A RCT.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,372,866.00
Summary
Adoption of guideline recommendations is difficult to achieve. This research aims to improve adherence to guideline recommendations for surveillance for people with colorectal cancer and screening in their first degree relatives using an educational intervention. People with colorectal cancer and their first degree relatives will be randomly assigned to an educational intervention or to usual care, and adherence to guideline recommendations will be compared between groups.
Melanoma is one of Australia s major cancer problems, but we still do not completely understand why certain people are at higher risk than others. This study is focussed on people who have a strong family history of melanoma, and is part of continuing efforts to identify the gene variants that contribute to melanoma risk. Most of the work described takes place as part of national and international collaborations to map and identify these melanoma susceptibility genes and to characterise their ef ....Melanoma is one of Australia s major cancer problems, but we still do not completely understand why certain people are at higher risk than others. This study is focussed on people who have a strong family history of melanoma, and is part of continuing efforts to identify the gene variants that contribute to melanoma risk. Most of the work described takes place as part of national and international collaborations to map and identify these melanoma susceptibility genes and to characterise their effects. Potential benefits from this research will be a better understanding of the place of genetic testing in assessing people s risk of melanoma, particularly if they have relatives with the disease, and way in which skin features like moles should be taken into account in that assessment. In addition, it is likely that better information about the genes altered in melanoma susceptibility and development will point to useful targets for development of novel anti-cancer agents.Read moreRead less
Investigation Of Cancer Predisposition In Heterozygous Carriers Of The ATM
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$822,750.00
Summary
Individuals with the human genetic disorder ataxia-telangiectasia are prone to cancer development and so also are their parents and relatives (carriers) who have one defective copy of the gene. This is a multisystem disease that is also characterized by neurodegeneration, immunodeficiency, infertility and extreme sensitivity to radiation. This project is designed to generate a mouse model of this disease to investigate cancer susceptibility in carriers of the defective gene. The specific mutatio ....Individuals with the human genetic disorder ataxia-telangiectasia are prone to cancer development and so also are their parents and relatives (carriers) who have one defective copy of the gene. This is a multisystem disease that is also characterized by neurodegeneration, immunodeficiency, infertility and extreme sensitivity to radiation. This project is designed to generate a mouse model of this disease to investigate cancer susceptibility in carriers of the defective gene. The specific mutation to be introduced into the mouse has been described in a patient with breast cancer and it has been shown to interfere with the normal function of the ATM protein. The mouse model is expected to reflect closely the human disease and will provide the opportunity to monitor heterozygous carriers for the development of cancer. This model is expected to confirm the observations in humans and provide a resource to understand susceptibility to develop cancer. The model will also address the issue of exposure to low dose radiation and risk of developing cancer.Read moreRead less