A Novel Liver Cancer Therapy Targeting Tumour Stroma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,902.00
Summary
In Australia, there are 1,300 new cases of liver cancer each year with an average survival of 7 months. Liver cancer is now the most rapidly increasing cancer, probably caused by more hepatitis, obesity and diabetes. Our commercial partner has a novel innovative new antibody that shrinks other cancer types and we want to see how well it combats liver cancer in mice. This antibody has a raft of superior features and we have a clear plan towards making it available to patients.
Robotic Surgical System For Image Guided Non-invasive Focused Ultrasound Induced Ablation Of Liver Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$582,231.00
Summary
According to National Cancer Institute, liver and bile duct cancers are the fifth most common cancer in men and the seventh in women. Due to poor prognosis involving surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, our aim is to develop a novel image-guided, radiation-free, non-invasive robotic HIFU system with means for compensation of organ movement during treatment. The objective is to produce damage to the target in a predictable and reproducible manner while sparing overlying surrounding tissues.
Development Of A Novel MicroRNA Mimic For Cancer Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$534,179.00
Summary
Liver cancer is a major health burden globally, with a very poor prognosis. New treatments are urgently needed. We have developed proof-of-concept data showing that a tiny RNA, called a microRNA, is a powerful inhibitor of liver cancer growth. We will use this grant application to further develop the microRNA with novel chemistry so that it can be readily translated into early phase clinical trials in the near future.
Development Of A Molecular Point-of-care Test For Hepatitis C To Increase Uptake Of Curative Antiviral Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$781,353.00
Summary
This project seeks to develop a new point-of-care test to detect hepatitis C virus infections. This will enable the diagnosis and initiation of curative treatment in a single healthcare visit. It is expected that this will overcome a major barrier to treating high-risk groups with these highly effective medications and will lead to higher number of cured patients.
Development Of Microscope-in-a-needle Devices For Improved Clinical Diagnostics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$327,746.00
Summary
We have developed a new high-resolution optical imaging technology. The unique aspect of our research has been to redesign the imaging probe, miniaturising it to a few hundred microns in diameter, and encase it in a hypodermic needle – a ‘microscope-in-a-needle’. We are developing specific imaging probes to aid in the assessment of lung disease; the diagnosis of liver disease; and integrated into a brain biopsy needle to enable safer brain biopsies.
Novel Prostate Cancer Target For Diagnosis, Imaging, Detection Of Recurrence And Response To Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$731,497.00
Summary
This project will generate the critical proof of concept to justify clinical development of a novel biomarker in prostate cancer which would bring significant benefit in terms of differential diagnosis of aggressive disease. The biomarker will be assessed for a functional role in prostate cancer and potential as a therapeutic target and use as a imaging agent in for monitoring disease progression and response to therapy. These investigations will be extended to other common solid tumours.
Cancer is now the number one killer of Australians and there is an unmet medical need to develop new therapies that are safe and maximize anti-cancer efficacy. Cancer immunotherapy now represents a new fourth pillar in cancer treatment to complement surgery, radiotherapy and chemo-/targeted therapies. This application aims to develop new therapeutic approaches to broaden the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy and potentially allow the treatment of a broader range of cancers and patients.
Preclinical Development Of Q2361, A Transforming New Drug For Skin Cancer Prevention In Organ Transplant Recipients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$724,957.00
Summary
Patients that receive organ transplants need additional medications in order to prevent organ rejection. Unfortunately, these drugs carry an unwanted side-effect - they permit the development of skin cancer. Currently, other than surgery, little can be done to help these patients. Our preliminary data suggest that a new drug may prevent these skin cancers from forming. This project aims to deliver key insights into the influence of this drug and its role in skin cancer prevention.
Development Of Small Molecules For The Treament Of Colon Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$684,379.00
Summary
Colon cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths in Australia and in the developed world. Despite improvements in prevention and therapies, there remains a considerable need for efficacious therapeutic options. We have identified a lead compound inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. We will progress this series further toward clinical trials and aim to provide patients with a new orally available molecule with potent activity against colon cancer.
Validation Of A Multiplexed Blood Based Screening Assay For The Diagnosis Of Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$556,712.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in Australia with poor patient outcome due to late detection of the disease. We have developed a simple blood based test that can diagnose individuals with CRC at an early stage when the chance of cure is greater than 80%.