Lymphoedema can occur secondary to treatment for cancer. It is currently diagnosed using methods which do not allow for early diagnosis, allowing significant tissue damage to occur before treatment is commenced. The aim of this research proposal is to improve the detection and diagnosis of lymphoedema so that it can be treated as early as possible, preventing permanent tissue damage and potentially improving prognosis.
Understanding How GATA2 Controls Lymphatic Vessel Valve Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,942.00
Summary
Mutations in the GATA2 gene cause human lymphoedema as a result of the crucial role that GATA2 plays in controlling the expression of genes important for building functional lymphatic vessels. Here we aim to gain a complete picture of the cellular and molecular events that are controlled by GATA2 in lymphatic vessels and in particular, in lymphatic vessel valves.
Defining The Role Of GATA2 In Lymphatic Vascular Development As A Means To Understanding How GATA2 Mutations Predispose To Human Lymphedema.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$718,890.00
Summary
We have discovered that mutations in the transcription factor GATA2 result in human primary lymphedema, a debilitating disorder resulting from the failure of lymphatic vessels to return tissue fluid to the bloodstream. The goal of this application is to define the role of GATA2 in lymphatic vessels, in order to understand how GATA2 mutations cause lymphedema. Ultimately, we aim to identify targets to which desperately needed therapeutics for the treatment of lymphedema could be generated.
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.
SNAC1: A Randomised Trial Of Sentinel Node Based Management Versus Axillary Clearance For Women With Small Breast Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$366,663.00
Summary
SNAC1 will determine if sentinel node based management (a smaller operation removing a few lymph nodes) results in better quality of life and equivalent cure rates after 10 years follow-up compared with routine axillary clearance (a larger operation removing many lymph nodes) in over 1000 women with early breast cancer recruited to this large scale randomized trial from 2001 to 2005
Understanding The Role Of The Atypical Cadherin Fat4 In Lymphatic Vascular Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,006,248.00
Summary
This application will define the role of a large cell adhesion molecule, FAT4, in lymphatic vascular development. By understanding how FAT4 functions in lymphatic vessels, we will gain insight to the mechanisms by which mutations in the gene that encodes this protein cause a human lymphoedema syndrome.
I am a molecular biologist determining the mechanisms that promote the spread of cancer via blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, with the aim of developing novel anti-cancer therapeutics to block these processes. My approach is to target protein growth fa
Reduction Of Breast Lymphoedema Symptoms Secondary To Breast Cancer: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,395.00
Summary
Breast lymphoedema is a consequence of treatment for breast cancer that is not typically discussed, despite more than 1/3 of women with lymphoedema reporting symptoms in the breast. To date, no study has investigated the impact of exercise on breast lymphoedema symptoms. The aim of this study is to determine if a general exercise program is safe, acceptable and effective in reducing symptoms for women with breast lymphoedema.