MC1R Polymorphisms Associated With Skin Cancer Risk Phenotypes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$519,715.00
Summary
Sunsmart campaigns are a unifying element in the lives of many Australians who wish to ensure protection against the damaging effects of UV rays in sunlight. Although it is evident that lighter skin colours are more susceptible to sun damage, the relationship between sun exposure, skin type and melanoma formation is less clear. It is essential to understand the complex interactions that give rise to melanoma and to identify the genes in individuals that are responsible for this increased risk.
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.
Clinical Outcomes In Individuals With An Inherited Predisposition To Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$606,015.00
Summary
Genes have recently been identified which, when abnormal, result in an inherited tendency towards developing breast cancer (BC). It is now possible to undergo testing for abnormalities in these genes. However, there is little known about the best ways to prevent cancer or detect it early in individuals with such a gene abnormality. In addition, it is possible that BCs occuring in women with a gene abnormality might behave differently (have a different prognosis and thus require different treatme ....Genes have recently been identified which, when abnormal, result in an inherited tendency towards developing breast cancer (BC). It is now possible to undergo testing for abnormalities in these genes. However, there is little known about the best ways to prevent cancer or detect it early in individuals with such a gene abnormality. In addition, it is possible that BCs occuring in women with a gene abnormality might behave differently (have a different prognosis and thus require different treatment) from other BCs. Answers to these important questions are essential for women to be able to make informed decisions about how best to reduce their risk of developing, or dying from, BC. This study will examine the clinical outcomes of individuals (both those who have not yet developed cancer and those who have) with an inherited tendency to BC. The study has 2 components; each builds on one of 2 existing Australian studies of hereditary BC 1) Is the likely clinical outcome (prognosis) different for BC patients with a gene abnormality compared to those without? The cancer and treatment details of BC patients in Melbourne and Sydney who are already enrolled in the Australian Breast Cancer Family Study will be examined to determine whether those with a gene abnormality have a better or worse outcome than those without. 2) What factors impact on the clinical outcome (development of cancer) in well individuals with an inherited tendency to BC? An Australia-wide study of inherited BC (kConFab) has recruited families with a strong family history of BC. The family history, lifestyle, exposure to female hormones, cancer screening and preventive surgery details of all individuals in the study will be collected 3 years following study entry. Ultimately this information should help determine how best to prevent cancer in such individuals.Read moreRead less
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.
Risk Factors, Screening, Prophylaxis And Outcomes In Individuals From Breast Cancer Families: KConFab Follow-Up Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$510,675.00
Summary
Having a strong family history of breast cancer is one of the most important risk factors for the disease. Two major genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, have been identified which, when abnormal, result in an inherited tendency towards developing breast cancer. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer can undergo testing for these gene abnormalities via Family Cancer Centres around Australia. However, once a gene abnormality is found, little is known about the best ways to prevent cancer or detec ....Having a strong family history of breast cancer is one of the most important risk factors for the disease. Two major genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, have been identified which, when abnormal, result in an inherited tendency towards developing breast cancer. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer can undergo testing for these gene abnormalities via Family Cancer Centres around Australia. However, once a gene abnormality is found, little is known about the best ways to prevent cancer or detect it early. The Kathleen Cuningham Consortium for Research into Familial Aspects of Breast Cancer (kConFab) has been recruiting families with exceptionally strong histories of breast cancer since 1997. kConFab is funded to collect epidemiological information and biological specimens on such individuals only at the time of their initial recruitment. In 2000 the NHMRC recognised the importance of undertaking clinical follow-up of this precious cohort of individuals, and provided funding through a 3 year project grant to commence the first round of 3 yearly follow-up on this cohort (NHMRC Project Grant #145684). The first 2 years of this follow-up has been completed successfully and the current is application is for a renewal of funding (to commence in 2004) to enable us to undertake further follow-up of the now much larger cohort. In the short term we will examine the screening and preventive surgery behaviours of high risk women within this study to determine whether they are optimal. The ultimate aim of this long term follow-up of individuals in kConFab is to determine what factors impact on the development of cancer in well individuals with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer.Read moreRead less
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
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.