Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Of Faecal Biomarkers For Colon Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,398.00
Summary
We have identified a number of potential biomarkers present in the stools of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). We will use quantitative mass spectrometric techniques that we have developed to validate these biomarkers on a large number of faecal samples from patients with CRC and multiple control groups. We believe these studies will lead to a new panel of biomarkers which will improve the detection of early forms of colon cancer, thus reducing death from this disease.
Proteomic Approaches To Explore The Pathogenesis And Secretomes Of Parasitic Flukes Of Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,320.00
Summary
Ten percent of the human population are at risk of infection with liver, blood and lung flukes. These parasites cause considerable human morbidity and mortality including a strong association with cancer of the bile ducts. Current control efforts rely on drugs, but, reinfection and resistance are a problem. This research is aimed at understanding how these parasites cause disease (particularly how a parasite causes cancer) and the development of vaccines and new drugs.
A Functional Assay To Classify Genetic Variants In Lynch Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$368,195.00
Summary
At least one person in every 1000 is affected by Lynch syndrome, in which faulty DNA repair machinery causes high rates of cancer. People with Lynch syndrome can have their risk of cancer cut substantially with regular screening. However, we often struggle to understand whether people with 'non-standard' DNA sequences in particular genes actually have Lynch syndrome. This project develops a simple test that will tell clinicians whether a given sequence change relates to Lynch syndrome or not.
Establishment Of A Biomarker To Test Molecular Risk Of Gastric Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$834,448.00
Summary
Less than 20% of patients live 5 years after a diagnosis of gastric cancer (GC). This is due to the advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. We have no markers to monitor therapy of cancer. This proposal aims to use next generation sequencing to find specific genetic changes in a persons tumour that can be used to monitor therapy. We aim to use the same technology to group patients into high-risk or low risk for development of GC. This will allow specific screening only for those at high-risk.
Modelling Epigenomic Change During Early Breast Carcinogenesis Using In Vitro And In Vivo Model Systems
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$743,360.00
Summary
Epigenetics describes how genes can be turned on and off without a change in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic changes are common and often occur early in cancer, but we do not know where or how epigenetic changes occur in cancer. In this proposal we will create the first detailed map of the epigenetic landscape of normal and cancer breast cells. These maps will allow us to predict where epigenetic lesions occur in breast cancer, which will have important diagnostic and therapeutic value for cancer t ....Epigenetics describes how genes can be turned on and off without a change in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic changes are common and often occur early in cancer, but we do not know where or how epigenetic changes occur in cancer. In this proposal we will create the first detailed map of the epigenetic landscape of normal and cancer breast cells. These maps will allow us to predict where epigenetic lesions occur in breast cancer, which will have important diagnostic and therapeutic value for cancer treatments.Read moreRead less
Targeting Activated Platelets: A Novel Innovative Approach For The Sensitive Detection And Therapeutic Targeting Of Various Cancers And Their Metastases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$948,447.00
Summary
Early detection and selective therapy is critical for the survival of patients with cancer. We have shown in pilot experiments that platelets accumulate at the site of tumours and thus provide the opportunity to diagnose and localise cancer and its metastases. Based on this and also newly developed biotechnological tools we aim to develop multiple innovative imaging technologies. Furthermore, we will develop novel tumour-targeted and thus tumour site-specific, side-effect poor cancer treatments.
Advances in mobile telephone technology and available dermoscopic attachments (which provide a good light and magnification) for mobile telephones have created a unique opportunity for mobile teledermoscopy. This study will test whether and how it can be integrated into the workflow of dermatologists to improve the early detection of skin lesions suspicious of melanoma.
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%.
Circulating Tumour DNA As A Personalized Biomarker In ER Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
This PhD aims to study the use of liquid biopsies for disease monitoring in metastatic estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. Liquid biopsies involve looking for circulating cancer-specific genetic material in the blood stream. Through the use of liquid biopsies, we hope to understand genetic differences and heterogeneity within metastatic breast cancer; identify potential therapeutic targets; and examine the mechanisms of treatment resistance to facilitate personalised cancer therapy.