Melanoma incidence continues to rise & it remains a leading cause of cancer death in young adults. Prevention & early detection are foundations of disease control. Drug treatments for advanced disease have recently begun to extend survival but remain ineffective in many. Utilising the extensive resources of Melanoma Institute Australia (world's largest melanoma treatment centre), this research seeks to improve outcomes of patients with difficult to treat & aggressive melanomas.
From Transcriptome Metanalysis To Targeted Therapies In Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$483,363.00
Summary
We identified a gene expression signature, a genetic fingerprint, that identifies patients who are affected by very aggressive forms of breast cancer. In this project, we will develop a clinically relevant test that can be used to guide treatment planning against aggressive types of breast cancer to improve survival rates. In addition we will validate new and novel targets for future drug development against these aggressive subtypes.
Determining The Clinical Relevance Of Intratumour Heterogeneity In Breast Cancer And Its Relationship To Metastases Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Breast cancer metastasis is generally an incurable disease, yet it is not well-understood. This project aims to understand how cancer metastasises by using a novel and unique approach of analysing multiple regions from matched primary and metastatic tumours from breast cancer patients. Expected outcomes include identifying predictors of treatment resistance and resultant personalised management and therapeutic strategies to improve survival outcomes of breast cancer patients.
Circulating Tumour DNA (ctDNA) To Guide Adjuvant Chemotherapy And Surveillance Strategies In Patients With Stage II Colon Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,227,186.00
Summary
This study is attempting to demonstrate that an adjuvant therapy strategy based on ctDNA results will reduce the number of patients with stage II colon cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy without compromising recurrence free survival. Prospective multi-centre study enrolling 450 stage II colon cancer patients. Patients will be randomized 2:1 to be treated according to ctDNA results (Arm A, n = 300), or per standard clinical criteria (Arm B, n = 150).