Precision Nanomedicine-based Diagnostics And Therapeutics For Refractory Malignancies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,329,484.00
Summary
The vast majority of cancer patients die of their disease due to the emergence of drug resistant cancer cells or metastatic disease that is diagnosed at late stages. Our program aims to develop new types of therapy to specifically target aggressive cancers. To detect cancer early and evaluate the effectiveness of cancer therapy, we will develop sensitive diagnostic tools and devices. This research has application to both childhood and adult cancers.
Generating The Evidence To Control Cancer And Optimise Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,564,341.00
Summary
Our Program addresses the public health aspects of common cancers, particularly cancers of the skin and gynaecological tracts. Each year in Australia, nearly 400,000 people are treated for skin cancer, and more than 3,500 women develop ovarian or uterine cancer. Our aims are first, to understand how we might prevent these cancers in the future; second, to enhance diagnosis of these cancers; and third, to improve the survival and quality of life for people who are diagnosed with these cancers
We seek to understand how white blood cells detect and destroy disease, and how molecules of the immune system punch holes in diseased cells. We wish to learn how cancer can sometimes evade the immune system. Our work will also find out how some common treatments for cancer, like chemotherapy, can be used to boost the immune system and eliminate tumours. Through knowledge gained from these studies, we aim to develop new therapies that can help patients with devastating diseases like cancer.
This Program team will discover new things about immunity to cancer and virus infection and translate the information into novel therapies in patients with blood or solid cancers. The approaches will include new cellular or antibody therapies, alone or in combination. We will determine new predictive biomarkers to better select patients for therapy. We will overcome treatment resistance, improve the safety of combination therapies, and determine their best scheduling and dosing.
Translating Molecular Determinants Of Susceptibility And Progression In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,510,085.00
Summary
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Despite improvements in prevention, detection and treatment, it is the 2nd most common cause of cancer death in Australian women. Research advances in the last decade have improved our understanding of the pathways from susceptibility to progression and metastasis but this has mostly not yet translated into better outcomes. This program aims to translate some of our fundamental discoveries to improve outcome for affected women and their families.
Linking Lifestyle And Molecular Biology To Inform Precision Public Health For Major Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$8,487,111.00
Summary
The Program of research seeks to increase our understanding of cancer risk. We will use our large collections of population and family-based datasets to conduct innovative analyses, improving our understanding of the roles that genetic, epigenetic and lifestyle factors play in our risk of breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. This information should allow us to better predict a person’s cancer risk, enabling public health interventions, such as screening, to be delivered more effectively and e ....The Program of research seeks to increase our understanding of cancer risk. We will use our large collections of population and family-based datasets to conduct innovative analyses, improving our understanding of the roles that genetic, epigenetic and lifestyle factors play in our risk of breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. This information should allow us to better predict a person’s cancer risk, enabling public health interventions, such as screening, to be delivered more effectively and economically to those most at risk.Read moreRead less
This proposal is for a team of researchers and clinicians to explore the molecular control of the lymphatic vasculature. This network of lymphatic vessels, located in organs throughout the body, is critical for regulation of tissue fluid and immune function. It will identify new molecular pathways controlling lymphatic vessels and their interactions with other cells in the body and identify new diagnostic approaches and molecular targets for medicines to treat human diseases including cancer.
Using Healthcare Wisely: Reducing Inappropriate Use Of Tests And Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$9,578,895.00
Summary
Overdiagnosis and overtreatment as unintended consequences of modern healthcare due to expanded disease definitions labelling people with mild problems or at low risk of illness, diagnostic tests identifying inconsequential abnormalities and screening programs detecting disease that won’t progress. The result is much harm and unsustainable overuse. We will research the prevalence, causes and consequences of overdiagnosis and overtreatment, evaluate solutions and widely disseminate findings.
Molecular Determinants Of Susceptibility And Progression In Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,006,551.00
Summary
Breast cancer is heterogeneous, making management a challenge. High-grade cancers including the ‘basal’ type are aggressive, often found in young women and have a propensity for distant spread. They are also associated with a BRCA1 gene mutation. We will study mechanisms that predispose some women to develop breast cancer, the process that allows cancers to grow at distant sites such as the brain and lungs, and how DNA repair proteins are implicated. This will allow development of new diagnostic ....Breast cancer is heterogeneous, making management a challenge. High-grade cancers including the ‘basal’ type are aggressive, often found in young women and have a propensity for distant spread. They are also associated with a BRCA1 gene mutation. We will study mechanisms that predispose some women to develop breast cancer, the process that allows cancers to grow at distant sites such as the brain and lungs, and how DNA repair proteins are implicated. This will allow development of new diagnostic tools and treatments.Read moreRead less
Molecular Determinants Of Risk, Progression And Treatment Response In Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$15,161,573.00
Summary
The investigators, all associated with the Melanoma Institute Australia, have recruited numerous people and biospecimens in order to study the causes, subtypes and treatment strategies in melanoma. The team aims to develop a scientific basis for improved 1) management of individuals at high risk of melanoma development and progression, and 2) treatment of patients with early and disseminated melanoma, thereby contributing to improved prospects of successfully treating this dangerous cancer.