The Australian MRI-Linac Program: Transforming The Science And Clinical Practice Of Cancer Radiotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,001,475.00
Summary
Radiotherapy is indicated for 48% of cancer patients. The Australian MRI-Linac Program will change the science and clinical practice of radiotherapy by explicitly targeting the dynamic anatomy and physiology of cancer, increasing cancer control and decreasing treatment side effects. Successful completion of this program will have a direct impact on the treatment and lives of Australian cancer patients in the foreseeable future.
Clinical, Public Health And Policy Interventions To Combat Cardiovascular Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$24,025,090.00
Summary
This program will generate and translate evidence from high-quality research designed to inform the decisions of health care providers and policy makers about best strategies for the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic conditions. The program, with both domestic and global relevance, will address a spectrum of issues, with translational outcomes for clinical research.
Precision Nanomedicine-based Diagnostics And Therapeutics For Refractory Malignancies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,329,484.00
Summary
The vast majority of cancer patients die of their disease due to the emergence of drug resistant cancer cells or metastatic disease that is diagnosed at late stages. Our program aims to develop new types of therapy to specifically target aggressive cancers. To detect cancer early and evaluate the effectiveness of cancer therapy, we will develop sensitive diagnostic tools and devices. This research has application to both childhood and adult cancers.
Depressive And Bipolar Disorders: Causes, Presentation And Treatment Innovations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,100,605.00
Summary
Depression and bipolar disorder are two of Australia’s leading causes of disease burden, with 3-4 million Australians affected during their lifetime. However, despite being such a serious health burden, there are major shortcomings to current understanding and management. This research program aims to further our knowledge of the causes and presentations of the mood disorders, and to improve and “tailor” treatment for the many Australians who suffer from these highly disabling illnesses.
Understanding The Major Class Of Cell Surface Drug Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,595,840.00
Summary
G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) form the largest family of receptors and drug targets in living organisms. Currently, the major reason that new drugs fail to reach the clinic is lack of appropriate drug effect (approx. 30%). Thus, we need a better understanding of how GPCRs work and how this relates to disease. Our Program addresses this knowledge gap, using GPCR models that are relevant to treatment of metabolic, inflammatory, cardiovascular and central nervous system disease.
Central to improving the management of patients with cancer is an understanding of the molecular drivers of cancer. Based on our fundamental discoveries about the role of cell growth and perturbed cell signalling as drivers of cancer we will use the integration of molecular and imaging biomarkers with targeted therapies to translate this knowledge into better outcomes for cancer patients with defined molecular drivers of their cancer.