Neuroblastoma (NB) is a common cancer in children, and one of the hardest to cure. Some mature into a benign tumour without needing any treatment, others are aggressive and require intensive treatment, and some regrow despite all treatment. It is often difficult to predict accurately how NBs will behave. We will study the two ways NBs can undergo unlimited growth, to determine whether this predicts tumour behavior, and therefore what treatment is needed.
Development Of Effective Biomarkers For The Diagnosis And Prognosis Of Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,062,585.00
Summary
Every year ~20,000 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 3,000 die of this disease. The current PSA test for the diagnosis of prostate cancer is not specific and this can result in incorrect diagnosis, unnecessary biopsies and lead to wrong treatments. We have discovered a novel change in the biology of prostate cancer. We will use this information to develop new tests for prostate cancer, which provide early accurate detection and can predict disease progression.
KLK4 Is A Master Regulator Of Tumour Microenvironment Remodelling In Prostate Cancer And Bone Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$596,305.00
Summary
The current biomarker for prostate cancer, PSA, belongs to a large family of related proteins called KLK enzymes. We have evidence that one of these enzymes, KLK4, regulates many different pathways involved in tumour spreading especially to bones. This project will determine the specific components involved with a view to finding better biomarkers of tumour spread and bone metastasis and designing better treatments for these aspects of the disease.