Predicting Infections In Cancer Of The Plasma Cells In Bone Marrow (myeloma)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$107,764.00
Summary
The study will look for new risks for infection in patients with multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Currently these patients are expected to live longer because of the discovery and use of new generation cancer drugs. By finding new infection risks, the treatment of life threatening infections can be improved or infection can be prevented so patients have a better quality of life whilst on cancer treatment.
Molecular & Translational Characterisation Of IMiD-Mediated BET-Protein Degradation In Multiple Myeloma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$497,857.00
Summary
Thalidomide-like drugs (called IMiDs) are an essential treatment for multiple myeloma, a common incurable blood cancer. We have discovered that IMiDs destroy proteins that myeloma cells use to ‘read’ cancer-causing genes in their own DNA. We will therefore investigate how important the destruction of these ‘gene readers’ is in myeloma cells, including patient samples. This will set up future studies targeting ‘gene readers’ using IMiDs in combination with other targeted drugs in clinical trials.
Does Teriparatide Reverse Osteonecrosis Of The Jaw In Patients With Cancer? A Randomised, Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$357,412.00
Summary
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is debilitating and associated with drugs that increase bone strength and reduce the bone remodeling rate (bisphosphonates or denosumab). Up to 15% of patients with bone marrow cancer and 1 out of 952 patients with osteoporosis treated with bisphosphonates may get ONJ. This 8-week trial of subcutaneous teriparatide (a hormone that forms new bone) or placebo injections aims to promote resolution of ONJ, measured clinically and by x-ray, and improve quality of life.
The Regulation Of B Cell Differentiation And Survival In Response To Antigen Challenge
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,409.00
Summary
Antibodies are crucial to health and well being but can cause disease if their production is not controlled appropriately. This research program examines the basis of antibody production in normal situations and in situations where it is causing illness, in diseases like system lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in cancers of antibody producing cells called multiple myeloma (MM). The aim is to enable control of the process to achieve better health outcomes and better management of disease.
Determining The Essential Regulators Of Antibody Production
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$768,612.00
Summary
Plasma cells produce the antibodies that are essential to protect us from pathogenic microorganisms and provide the basis for the beneficial effects of vaccination. Plasma cells can also cause disease through the production of antibodies against our own body, for example in Lupus and in the blood cell cancer multiple myeloma . Our research aims to understand the genetic regulation of antibody production, with an aim to "switch off" inappropriate antibody supply in disease.
Is Hypoxia Inducible Factor 2 The Trigger Of The Angiogenic Switch And A Driver Of Disease Progression In Myeloma?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,096.00
Summary
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a fatal cancer of plasma cells (PC). PC migrate to the bone marrow, which compared with other organs is low in oxygen (hypoxic). In response to this hypoxia, the cancer cells turn on the expression of genes called hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF). HIFs activate the expression of genes that encourage blood vessel formation, which in turn stimulates greater tumour growth and disease progression. This proposal will investigate the role of HIFs in the progression of MM.
Long-term In Vivo Imaging Of Bone Marrow Microenvironments In Multiple Myeloma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$688,371.00
Summary
White blood cells are soldiers of the immune system. When the machinery that controls growth and death of these cells is disrupted, these cells can undergo massive expansion. This leads to the development of blood cancers such as multiple myeloma (MM). In MM, malignant cells infiltrate bones preventing production of blood and damaging the bone structure leading to fractures. Using cutting edge microcopy we will watch how MM cells grow and damage bone tissue to develop new therapeutic approaches.