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.
Engineering MYCN Models Of High-grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (HGSC)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$797,478.00
Summary
The most lethal type of ovarian cancer, high-grade serous cancer (HGSC), can be divided into four subtypes based on gene patterns. One subtype involves a set of genes/proteins that, in their specific combination, result in activation of a pathway known as MYCN. As most HGSC start in the fallopian tube, we are using fallopian tube material to make new MYCN HGSC models to observe development in the earliest stages. We hope to generate new tests and treatments for this subtype of ovarian cancer.
Understanding And Targeting Acquired Chemoresistance In High-grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$527,824.00
Summary
We recently discovered a mutation in recurrent high-grade serous ovarian cancer that causes profound overexpression of the multidrug resistance pump, MDR1 (Patch et al Nature 2015). In this study I will explore approaches to reverse drug resistance caused by this mutation in recurrent ovarian cancer with a view to utilising alternative treatments to improve patient outcomes.
Prediction, Verification, And Clinical Significance Of Splicing Aberrations Associated With BRCA1 And BRCA2 Variants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$572,995.00
Summary
There are many families with sequence changes in the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 for which the consequences cannot be easily predicted. It is not possible to offer informative genetic counselling to these women or their at-risk family members. This study aims to refine computer prediction models that are used to predict if sequence changes disrupt the way the gene product is collated in the cell, and what amount of disruption will lead to cancer. This will improve patient management.
STICs And STONes: A Randomised, Phase II, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Of Aspirin In Chemoprevention Of Ovarian Cancer In Women With BRCA1 And BRCA2 Mutations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$653,892.00
Summary
Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene abnormality are at increased risk of ovary and fallopian tube (O&FT) cancers and often have their O&FTs removed to prevent cancer. Microscopic cancers are often seen at the time of surgery. Some studies suggest that aspirin might reduce O&FT cancer risk. This study will assign women to daily aspirin or placebo for 6-24 months before their preventive O&FT surgery. It will provide a better understanding of how O&FT cancers start and the influence aspirin may have.
Molecular Subtype Specific Therapy In High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$832,254.00
Summary
High grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) is the most common type of ovarian cancer, accounting for about two thirds of all deaths from the disease.Several years ago we identified distinct subtypes of HGSC (C1, C2, C4, C5) based on patterns of gene activity. We found that women with the C5 subtype generally had poor survival, and we mapped genes that were specifically active in C5 tumours. In this application we aim to develop therapies that are specifically targeted to the C5 HGSC.
IMPROVE - Investigating Medication Re-Purposing To Reduce Risk Of OVarian Cancer And Extend Survival
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$430,196.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer is the 6th most common cause of cancer death in women and the proportion of women who die from their disease has not improved substantially over time. This large-scale study will use de-identified data from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the Australian Cancer Database and the National Death Index to investigate whether medications commonly used for other conditions can help decrease the risk of ovarian cancer developing or improve survival from ovarian cancer after diagnosis.
Targetting Deregulated Signalling Pathways In High-grade Serous Ovarian Cancer: Defining Therapeutic Response And Mechanisms Of Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$641,263.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer is the major cause of death from gynaecological cancer. Most patients present with advanced disease and die of their cancer. This proposal aims to use new research detailing the common genetic changes in tumour samples and our extensive panel of ovarian cancer cell lines to identify new treatment options for specific types of ovarian cancer. We expect this will result in clinical trials of therapies selected based on the characteristics of an individual patient’s disease.
Molecular Determinants Of Advanced Disease In Ovarian Granulosa Cell Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,244.00
Summary
Granulosa cell tumours of the ovary (GCT) represent 5-10% of malignant ovarian cancers. They are distinct from the more common epithelial tumours and although considered to have a much better prognosis, they have a propensity to late recurrence. Recurrent or aggressive GCT have a poor prognosis. These studies will investigate the molecular basis of recurrence and aggressive behaviour in GCT. This will provide both prognostic information and also potential therapeutic targets.
The Ovarian Cancer Prognosis And Lifestyle (OPAL) Study: Long-term Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$871,657.00
Summary
Ovarian cancer affects 1500 women each year in Australia and 5-year survival is <45%. Affected women thus face a poor prognosis and often ask what they can do to improve this. There is no direct evidence whether a woman’s lifestyle might influence her outcomes, although data from breast cancer suggest this is possible. The OPAL Study is following 960 women with ovarian cancer to identify whether lifestyle is associated with long-term survival to provide evidence for women with this disease.