The spread of cancer to other organs is responsible for 90% of cancer deaths. This proposal seeks to determine how urological tumours (prostate and bladder) spread around the body. Cancer cell and animal models are an integral component of the research, and together with data obtained in human cancer specimens provide a comprehensive, powerful approach to identify key pathways involved in tumour spread. This is critical for the design of new therapies to treat and-or prevent tumour spread.
Lymphangiogenesis From Development To Disease: Analysis Of SOX18 Function In The Control Of Lymphatic Remodeling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
Cancers are lethal mainly because they spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body via blood vessels and lymphatic ducts. Pilot studies suggest that suppressing the function of a gene, SOX18, reduces tumour metastasis. We now propose to confirm these findings and study this effect in detail, with the ultimate aim of developing new therapies able to complement already existing anti-cancer treatments.
Improving Cancer Survival By Optimising Drug Exposure At Sites Of Cancer Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
The metastatic spread of cancer is responsible for 90% of cancer related deaths. While the standard of care is to administer high doses of toxic drugs to kill the cancer, this often leads to life threatening side effects without guarantee of a cure. This work is aimed at identifying how nanometer sized chemotherapeutic ‘nanomedicines’ can be optimally developed to enhance drug targeting towards sites of tumour growth and metastasis and maximise therapeutic success whilst limiting side effects.
Microfluidic Strategy For Circulating Tumour Cells Analysis In Cancer Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,180.00
Summary
My approach and ultimate goal over the next 4 years is to demonstrate the use of recently discovered “Nanoshearing” technology as a standard diagnostic tool for cancer patients undergoing systemic therapy and assess the impact of standard protocols in predicting response to therapy and patient outcomes. Data from this study could potentially define new standards of clinical practice, as they relate to follow-up screening for response to therapy and recurrence of disease.
Understanding The Regulation Of Cell Polarity In Development And Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,602.00
Summary
Cell polarity is the property of cells to be spatially oriented in a tissue or organ. We have now shown that the gene Scribble, a key regulator of cell orientation, may keep tumour development in check. In this proposal, we will examine how disruption of Scribble and associated molecules affects normal development and promotes cancer using a combination of tissue culture studies and a newly established mouse model. These studies may provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer.
Investigating The Dynamic Interactions Between Immune And Cancer Cells Using Two-photon Intravital Microscopy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
Immune cells normally aid tumour destruction, but in some situations do the reverse and promote tumour spread. We will utilize cutting edge techniques including 2-photon microscopy together with novel transgenic mouse models to track immune cells in real time during tumour development in order to identify what factors determine a positive versus negative outcome. This will give us an unprecedented opportunity to ‘see’ how these cells interact with malignant cells which could lead to novel therap ....Immune cells normally aid tumour destruction, but in some situations do the reverse and promote tumour spread. We will utilize cutting edge techniques including 2-photon microscopy together with novel transgenic mouse models to track immune cells in real time during tumour development in order to identify what factors determine a positive versus negative outcome. This will give us an unprecedented opportunity to ‘see’ how these cells interact with malignant cells which could lead to novel therapeutic approaches.Read moreRead less