Deregulated Cytokine Signalling As A Molecular Bridge Linking The Pathogenesis Of Emphysema To Lung Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,820.00
Summary
Lung cancer is the most lethal form of cancer in Australia and worldwide. Although smokers with emphysema are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer, it is becoming apparent that emphysema can predispose to lung cancer independently of cigarette smoking, albeit by unknown mechanisms. Our aim is to combine smoke carcinogen and genetic mouse models of lung cancer with novel mouse strains displaying emphysema to identify the processes which link the pathogenesis of emphysema to lung cancer.
Tailoring Treatment Strategies For NRF2-driven Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$923,501.00
Summary
Lung cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the most common cause of cancer-related death in Australia. Mutations in the KEAP1 gene are observed in a high number of lung cancer patients. These abnormalities are associated with poor prognosis, but may also present an opportunity to specifically target these cancer cells. We will utilise preclinical models to identify new personalised treatment strategies for patients that carry KEAP1 mutations.
Tumours secrete factors which are contained in specific structures called exosomes, and are used to prepare other organs of the body for subsequently incoming tumour cells, thereby facilitating the often mortal spread of the cancer. This project will investigate the way exosomes alter organs before tumour cells arrive, the composition of these exosomes in lung cancer patients and if they are novel markers for diseases progression as well as therapeutic intervention.