Prospective Ovarian Cancer Cohort To Authenticate Stratification Of Prognosis In Ovarian Tumours (POCCA-SPOT)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$993,580.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer has poor survival, with less than 40% of women surviving 5 years. There is a wide range of survival, but very few characteristics that indicate which patients will do well or poorly. We have developed a tumour test at diagnosis, that can predict prognosis at 5 years. In newly diagnosed cases, we will test tumours to predict prognosis and then determine the accuracy and assess patient acceptability. This study will lead to clinical use of the test and improve treatment decisions.
Ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose, patients present at a late stage of disease and it responds poorly to therapy. To improve treatment, it is crucial to gain new insights into ovarian cancer biology. We discovered a new protein, interferon epsilon, which is produced naturally by cells lining the female reproductive tract where it protects against infections and may even prevent development of cancers. We plan to characterise the action of IFNe on HGSOC and how best to use it for therapy.
I am a cancer epidemiologist, specialising in molecular epidemiology. I investigate the genetic and environmental causes of gynaecological cancers, and their consequences (prognosis, survival, quality of life, economic).
KConFab - The Kathleen Cuningham Foundation Consortium For Research Into Familial Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,176,975.00
Summary
Breast cancer is the most common malignant disease of women. In families with an inherited form of breast cancer, nearly half the women in every generation can develop the disease. The aim of this Australasian-wide study is to complete collection of clinical, epidemiological and genetic data on 1,600 of these severely-affected families. The national resource is, and will continue to be, of great value for researchers who want to identify and characterize the genetic and life style factors that a ....Breast cancer is the most common malignant disease of women. In families with an inherited form of breast cancer, nearly half the women in every generation can develop the disease. The aim of this Australasian-wide study is to complete collection of clinical, epidemiological and genetic data on 1,600 of these severely-affected families. The national resource is, and will continue to be, of great value for researchers who want to identify and characterize the genetic and life style factors that affect onset and progression of the disease.Read moreRead less
Determining Patients And Doctors Preferences For Chemotherapy And Incorporating Them Into Clinical Decision-making
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$87,234.00
Summary
Chemotherapy improves survival in early lung cancer and advanced ovarian cancer but has significant side effects. Recent advances in chemotherapy have not been widely adopted because of differing opinions about whether the benefits of these treatments outweigh their harms. This research program will determine the benefits that patients and their doctors judge necessary to make these treatments worthwhile, and how best to incorporate this information into clinical discussions and decision-making.
TRACEBACK - Identification Of Women Carrying Germline BRCA1/2 Mutations Through A Retrospective Analysis Of Patients Diagnosed With High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$83,284.00
Summary
Inheriting a mutated-BRCA is associated with significant risk of developing cancer. It is a crucial diagnosis to make with proven procedures that can reduce the risk of cancer developing. Ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the tumour most strongly associated with BRCA (15-20%) and provides a diagnostic opportunity, but despite Australian guidelines <50% receive testing. Our aim is to provide BRCA1/2 screening opportunities to patients and families and improve the rate of BRCA testing Australia wide.
Which Modifiable Risk Factors Actually Cause Cancer?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,076.00
Summary
Observational studies suggest that modifiable risk factors such as low vitamin D levels, coffee consumption, alcohol consumption and obesity may be important in cancer risk. However, observational studies can only demonstrate association between a risk factor and cancer, and association does not equal causation. We present an alternative approach to help determine which risk factors actually cause cancer.